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compositionComposition:FAMCICLOVIR-250MG
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Prescription Medicine
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Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is an antiviral drug used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash).

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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
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More about the Product

Composition :

FAMCICLOVIR-250MG

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Dec-28

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Famciclovir 250mg Tablet

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections caused by certain viruses. It is primarily prescribed to manage shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores around the mouth, and genital herpes outbreaks. This medicine helps the body fight off the virus, reducing the severity and duration of these outbreaks.

For the best results, you should take Famciclovir 250mg Tablet as soon as possible after the first signs of an outbreak appear, such as tingling, itching, or burning. It is important to take this medicine at evenly spaced intervals and finish the entire prescribed course, even if your symptoms improve quickly. You can take this medicine with or without food. Drinking plenty of water while taking this medication helps protect your kidneys.

While taking Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, you might experience mild side effects like headaches or nausea. However, if you develop severe skin rashes, yellowing of your eyes or skin, or unusual bruising, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Do not take this if you are allergic to Famciclovir 250mg Tablet or similar antiviral medications. Before starting this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver issues, or a weakened immune system, as your dose may need to be adjusted.

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet can interact with other medicines that affect your kidneys, so inform your doctor about all treatments you are currently using. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your healthcare provider before taking this medication.

Uses of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is used in the treatment of shingles and genital herpes. The detailed uses of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet are as follows:

  • Shingles (herpes zoster): Famciclovir 250mg Tablet helps speed up the healing of shingles blisters, reduces pain, and decreases the duration of the rash in adults with normal immune systems.
  • Genital herpes outbreaks: Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is used to treat active flare-ups of genital herpes, helping sores heal faster and reducing symptoms like itching, pain, and burning.
  • Suppression of genital herpes: For people who experience frequent outbreaks, Famciclovir 250mg Tablet can be taken daily as a preventative measure to reduce the number of future episodes.
  • Cold sores (herpes labialis): Famciclovir 250mg Tablet helps treat recurrent cold sores around the mouth in healthy adults, shortening the time it takes for the sores to heal.

Key Benefits

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet helps treat viral infections such as shingles and herpes, reducing symptoms and supporting faster healing. It also helps lower the risk of certain complications associated with shingles.

The following are the benefits of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet:

  • Helps treat shingles and herpes infections effectively.
  • Reduces pain, burning, tingling, and discomfort caused by viral outbreaks.
  • Promotes faster healing of blisters, sores, and skin lesions.
  • Helps prevent new blisters and sores from developing during an outbreak.
  • Supports a quicker recovery and earlier return to normal activities.
  • Helps reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain after shingles when started early.
Side effects of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet
  • Drink water or other clear fluids.
  • To prevent worsening of pain, limit intake of tea, coffee, or alcohol.
  • Include bland foods like rice, toast, crackers, and rice in your diet.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating as it may cause indigestion or heartburn.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food as it may cause indigestion.

Directions for Use

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush it.
  • You can take this medicine with or without food, as food does not affect how the drug is absorbed.
  • Start taking the medicine at the very first sign of an outbreak (such as tingling, burning, or itching) to achieve the best possible results.
  • Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how often to take this medicine and how long to continue the treatment. Do not stop taking it early, even if you start to feel better.

How Famciclovir 250mg Tablet Works

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet contains famciclovir, which is an antiviral medication. It works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying in your body. Once you swallow the tablet, your body converts it into its active form. This active substance targets the virus-infected cells and blocks a specific enzyme that the virus needs to copy its genetic material (DNA). Without the ability to replicate its DNA, the virus cannot spread to healthy cells, allowing your immune system to control and clear the infection more effectively.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

Consumption of alcohol with Famciclovir 250mg Tablet may increase the risk of side effects.

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Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is a pregnancy Category B medicine. It is not known whether Famciclovir 250mg Tablet will affect pregnant women or the fetus or not. Hence, the intake of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet should be prescribed only under medical supervision.

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Breast Feeding

Consult your doctor

It is not known whether Famciclovir 250mg Tablet passes through the milk of breastfeeding women. Hence, Famciclovir 250mg Tablet should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.

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Driving

Unsafe

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet can cause dizziness, drowsiness or confusion. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.

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Liver

Caution

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

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Children

Unsafe

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet should not be given to children below the age of 12 years.

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Heart

Safe if prescribed

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is safe for use in heart patients if prescribed by the physician.

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Geriatrics

Caution

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet can be given in elderly patients with extreme caution and only if prescribed by the doctor. Dose adjustments may be needed.

What if I have taken an overdose of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet

If you take too much of this medicine, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Taking an excessive amount can affect your kidneys, so prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, while taking Famciclovir 250mg Tablet to help your kidneys flush the medicine out of your body safely.
  • Manage stress: High stress levels can trigger herpes and shingles outbreaks. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or light yoga to keep stress in check.
  • Support your immune system: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and ensure you get adequate sleep to help your body fight off the viral infection.
  • Keep the rash clean and dry: Avoid touching or scratching the blisters to prevent secondary bacterial infections and to avoid spreading the virus to other parts of your body or other people.
  • Wear loose clothing: If you have shingles or genital herpes, wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing can prevent friction and reduce irritation on the affected skin.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

  • The time required for Famciclovir 250mg Tablet to start to work: The time required for Famciclovir 250mg Tablet to show its action is unknown.
  • The time for which the effects of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet last: The duration of action for Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is unknown.

What if you forget to take Famciclovir 250mg Tablet

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. • Keep out of sight and reach of children. • Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

Drug Warnings

  • Start treatment early: For shingles, start taking Famciclovir 250mg Tablet within 72 hours of the rash appearing. For cold sores or genital herpes, start within 6 hours of noticing the first symptoms.
  • Check your kidney function: If you have pre-existing kidney problems, make sure your doctor knows, as your dose may need to be lowered to prevent buildup of the medicine in your body.
  • Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks: If you are taking Famciclovir 250mg Tablet for genital herpes, avoid sexual activity while you have active sores or tingling to prevent passing the virus to your partner.
  • Be cautious when driving: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or confused. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Do not share your medicine: This medication has been prescribed specifically for your current condition. Do not share it with others, even if they have similar symptoms.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Medicines used to treat gout (e.g., probenecid): Taking this medication with Famciclovir 250mg Tablet can increase the levels of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
  • Medicines used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (e.g., raloxifene): This medication can interfere with how Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is processed in your body, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
  • Kidney-affecting medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, acyclovir): Certain pain relievers or other antivirals that can strain your kidneys may interact with Famciclovir 250mg Tablet and increase the risk of kidney problems, particularly in people with existing kidney impairment.
No Drug - Drug interactions found in our data. We may lack specific data on this medicine and are actively working to update our database. Consult your doctor for personalized advice

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Food Interactions

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  • No clinically significant food or drink interactions are known with Famciclovir 250mg Tablet.
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTIVIRALS]

FAQs

Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash).
Famciclovir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. It works by preventing the replication of viral DNA that is necessary for viruses to multiply, thereby stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Famciclovir is a prodrug that is converted to penciclovir in the body. Famciclovir does not cure or stop the spread of herpes. Famciclovir relieves pain and itching, and also heals and prevents sores associated with herpesvirus infections.
If you miss a dose of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, Famciclovir 250mg Tablet does not cure herpes infection. Instead, it reduces the pain and itching caused by it and prevents the formation of new sores.
Famciclovir 250mg Tablet should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Abrupt stopping of this medicine may lead to resistance to other medications, making the infection difficult to treat.
The overdose of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet leads to an increased risk of side effects that can be fatal sometimes. In people with kidney problems, it rarely leads to kidney failure on overdose. So, consult a doctor immediately if you accidentally overdose on this medicine.
No, even while you are taking Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, you can infect others. Herpes infections are contagious, so avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Do not touch your eyes after touching an infected area. Wash your hands often to prevent spreading the infection to others. You should practice safe sex by using condoms and avoid sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is effective if used in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better as discontinuing too early may cause the symptoms to reoccur or worsen.
Before starting treatment with Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, such as liver or kidney-related issues, as certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and may even require changes in the dose. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by Famciclovir 250mg Tablet. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive.
Although serious side effects are rare, if you experience them, you should consult your doctor immediately. These rare side effects include blistering or peeling rash, hives, yellow skin or eyes, loss of consciousness, unusual bruising or bleeding, fits, hallucinations, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Elderly people (above 65 years of age) are at higher risk of experiencing Famciclovir 250mg Tablet side effects because their kidneys do not eliminate the medicine from their bodies as quickly as those of a younger person. While taking Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, elderly patients should drink plenty of water and have their kidney function checked. Therefore, a lower dose should be recommended for these patients and should be monitored for neurological problems.
If someone takes more than the recommended dose of Famciclovir 250mg Tablet accidentally over several days, it may cause Famciclovir 250mg Tablet overdose and result in vomiting, nausea, headache and confusion. In such a case, please consult your doctor.
Patients with impaired immunity or advanced HIV disease have reported resistance to Famciclovir 250mg Tablet. If you are not reacting to Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, the possibility of drug resistance should be checked.
You should only take Famciclovir 250mg Tablet during pregnancy or breastfeeding if your doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not fully known if this medicine passes into breast milk or harms an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
You can take Famciclovir 250mg Tablet with or without food. Food does not change how the medicine is absorbed by your body. If you find that the medicine upsets your stomach, taking it with a meal may help. Talk to your doctor for further guidance.
While there is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Famciclovir 250mg Tablet, drinking alcohol can cause dehydration and make side effects like dizziness or drowsiness worse. It can also weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off the virus. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking alcohol while on this medication.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes can be a sign of liver damage, which is a rare but serious side effect. If you notice this, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical help. Talk to your doctor to run the necessary health checks.
Yes, Famciclovir 250mg Tablet is safe for older adults, but kidney function naturally declines with age. Because the kidneys clear this medicine from the body, older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like confusion or dizziness and may require a lower dose. Talk to your doctor to see if a dose adjustment is needed.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Reference

  1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Pil.1432 Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Cheshire, UK: Datapharm; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  2. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Famciclovir Drug Interactions Reference. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff. Syc 20356161 Inhalation and Dosage Monograph. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  4. Famciclovir Famciclovir. 1994Check here
  5. Famciclovir 250 mg film-coated tablets- Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. [Accessed on 7 Jan 2026]Check here
  6. Famciclovir 250 mg film-coated tablets- Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. [Accessed on 7 Jan 2026]Check here
  7. Mubareka S, Leung V, Aoki FY, Vinh DC. Famciclovir: a focus on efficacy and safety. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2010 Jul;9(4):643-58.[Accessed on 12 Mar 2025]Check here

Country of origin

India
Other Info - FA50300
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