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General Medication Fact Sheet for Ganciclovir
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Ganciclovir |
| Brand Name Versions | Cytovene |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May cause hematologic toxicity (e.g., neutropenia, anemia), mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, and impaired fertility. |
| Purpose | Antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase, disrupting viral DNA synthesis. |
| Dosage Forms | Intravenous solution, oral capsules, oral solution |
| Available Strengths | Intravenous: 500 mg/vial; Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg; Oral solution: 450 mg/5mL |
| Dosage Frequency | Varies based on the infection type and severity; typically two to three times daily. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, headache, fever. |
| Serious Side Effects | Blood disorders (e.g., neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia), kidney problems, seizures. |
| Drug Interactions | Probenecid, mycophenolate mofetil, zidovudine, other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., amphotericin B). |
| Important Notes | Monitor blood counts regularly; use contraception during and for at least 90 days after treatment; ensure adequate hydration. |
| Storage | Store capsules at room temperature away from moisture and light; intravenous solution should be prepared and stored according to manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; if it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Valganciclovir, Foscarnet, Cidofovir. |
Ganciclovir Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valganciclovir (Valcyte) | Prodrug of ganciclovir; inhibits viral DNA polymerase. | Oral form of ganciclovir with improved bioavailability. |
| Foscarnet (Foscavir) | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase. | Used for CMV infections resistant to ganciclovir. |
| Cidofovir (Vistide) | Inhibits viral DNA polymerase. | Administered with probenecid to reduce nephrotoxicity. |
Ganciclovir Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Blood disorders (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia) |
| Diarrhea | Kidney problems |
| Headache | Seizures |
| Fever | Infections |
| Fatigue | Retinal detachment (in CMV retinitis) |
Ganciclovir Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMV Retinitis (Induction) | 5 mg/kg IV every 12 hours | 5 mg/kg IV once daily or 1000 mg orally three times daily | Administer IV infusion slowly over 1 hour; oral dose with food. |
| CMV Retinitis (Maintenance) | 5 mg/kg IV once daily or 1000 mg orally three times daily | Adjust based on renal function and hematologic parameters. | Monitor blood counts regularly. |
| Prevention of CMV Disease in Transplant Recipients | 5 mg/kg IV every 12 hours | 5 mg/kg IV once daily or 900 mg orally twice daily | Initiate within 10 days of transplant and continue for 100-120 days. |
Ganciclovir Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $100 |
| From Canada | $40 |
