Is Penciclovir compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Penciclovir?

Penciclovir

March 23, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Antiviral agent used for topical treatment of herpes of the lip. Famciclovir is its precursor drug which is used for systemic treatment.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

After topical use, plasma levels are undetectable. Such property is the main reason by which it is not excreted into breast milk, In addition, a low oral bioavailability would impede the absorption from ingested milk toward the infant's plasma.

Do not apply creams, gels and other products for topical use that would contain paraffin (mineral oil) on the breast to prevent ingestion by the infant.

If necessary, apply Penciclovir after a feed and clean thoroughly with water before the next.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Penciclovir since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • ペンシクロビ
  • بانسيكلوفير
  • πενκυκλοβίρη
  • Пенцикловир
  • 喷昔洛韦

Drug trade names

References

  1. FDA. Penciclovir. Drig Summary. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  2. AEMPS. Penciclovir. Ficha técnica. 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B, Tomovski C, Fiselier K, Gerritzen K, Fessler S, Windbichler G, Zeimet A, Ulmer H, Siegl H, Rieger K, Concin H, Grob K. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008Abstract
  4. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, Deiss U, Brüschweiler BJ. Exposure of babies to C15-C45 mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003Abstract
  5. Mactal-Haaf C, Hoffman M, Kuchta A. Use of anti-infective agents during lactation, Part 3: Antivirals, antifungals, and urinary antiseptics. J Hum Lact. 2001Abstract
  6. Pue MA, Pratt SK, Fairless AJ, Fowles S, Laroche J, Georgiou P, Prince W. Linear pharmacokinetics of penciclovir following administration of single oral doses of famciclovir 125, 250, 500 and 750 mg to healthy volunteers. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1994Abstract