Ganciclovir

Generic name: Ganciclovir sodium

Drug Class: Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog)

Dosage Form: Capsules, Injectable Solution, Ophthalmic Gel

Route of Administration: Oral, Intravenous, Ophthalmic

Dose:

• Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg
• Injectable Solution: Typically administered as an IV infusion, dosing varies based on indication and patient renal function
• Ophthalmic Gel: 0.15%

Mechanism of Action: Ganciclovir inhibits viral replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase and directly incorporating itself into viral DNA, thereby preventing the replication of viral genes.

Drug Usage Cases: Ganciclovir is primarily used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV or organ transplant recipients.

Drug Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or acyclovir. Caution is advised in patients with renal impairment due to increased risk of toxicity.

Side Effects: Common side effects include fever, nausea, diarrhea, and neutropenia. Serious side effects can include severe neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, potentially leading to serious infections.

Warnings: Due to its potential to cause neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, blood counts should be monitored frequently. It has carcinogenic potential, so it should be handled with care.

Use During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Ganciclovir is classified under FDA Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There is insufficient data on the excretion of ganciclovir in human milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.