The molecule is a member of the class of 2-aminopurines that is guanine in which the hydrogen at position 9 is substituted by a 4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)but-1-yl group. An antiviral drug, it is administered topically for treatment of herpes labialis. A prodrug, famciclovir, is used for oral administration. It has a role as an antiviral drug. It is a member of 2-aminopurines and a member of propane-1,3-diols. It derives from a guanine.
2-amino-9-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]-1H-purin-6-one