What is Ganciclovir - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 9, 2016.

A synthetic guanine derivative with antiviral activity.
As the active metabolite of ganciclovir, ganciclovir-5-triphosphate (ganciclovir-TP) appears to inhibit viral DNA synthesis by competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerases and incorporation into viral DNA, resulting in eventual termination of viral DNA elongation.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 21, 2018.

Adult
PO
Cytomegaloviral retinitis 1 g tid as maintenance dose.
Prophylaxis of cytomegaloviral infections in immunocompromised patients 1 g tid.

IV
Cytomegaloviral infections. Initial: 5 mg/kg 12 hrly for 14-21 days, then 5 mg/kg once daily for 7 days/wk or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days/wk.
Prophylaxis of cytomegaloviral infections in immunocompromised patients. Initial: 5 mg/kg 12 hrly for 7-14 days, then 5 mg/kg once daily for 7 days/wk or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days/wk.

Ophth
Herpes simplex keratitis - 0.15% gel: Apply 1 drop in the inferior conjunctival sac of the affected eye 5 times/day.

Adverse drug reactions: hematologic effects (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, eosinophilia), headache, seizure, coma, confusion, thought disorders, dysphoria, agitation, hallucinations, abnormal dreams/nightmares, nervousness/anxiety, delirium, dizziness, dysesthesia, asthenia, intention tremor, abnormal reflexes, ataxia, paresthesia, psychosis, somnolence, obtundation, elevated serum aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, GI hemorrhage, increased serum creatinine and BUN levels.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Ganciclovir

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