Ganciclovir

Introduction: Ganciclovir is an antiviral medicine used to treat viral infections caused by cytomegalovirus in immunocompromised people. It also reduces the risk of blindness in a serious eye infection known as CMV retinitis.

How it works: Ganciclovir is a guanosine derivative that, upon phosphorylation, inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). It works by competitive inhibition of viral DNA-polymerase and direct incorporation into viral primer strand DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination and prevention of DNA replication.

Important Information: For ophthalmic use only. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. Use until the corneal ulcer heals and then for 7 days.

• Acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)

Ophthalmic Anti-viral Products

Antiviral

Ganciclovir is a guanosine derivative that, upon phosphorylation, inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Ganciclovir is transformed by viral and cellular thymidine kinases (TK) to ganciclovir triphosphate, which acts as an antiviral agent by inhibiting the synthesis of viral DNA in two ways: competitive inhibition of viral DNA-polymerase and direct incorporation into viral primer strand DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination and prevention of DNA replication.

Ganciclovir inhibits viral DNA-polymerase and incorporates into viral DNA chain to stop DNA replication, thereby preventing viral multiplication.

Adult Dose:

• Ganciclovir eye gel 0.15%: 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals.
• Then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days.

* Use as directed by the registered physician

For ophthalmic use only. Wash hands before and after applying. Hold the tube close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the tube and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Blurred vision - 60%
• Eye irritation - 20%
• Punctate keratitis - 5%
• Conjunctival hyperemia - 5%

Precautions:

• For ophthalmic use only.
• Do not wear contact lenses if you have signs of herpetic keratitis or during therapy.
• It may cause short term blurring of vision - be cautious while driving.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to Ganciclovir

Drug Interactions: No significant interactions known.

Food Interactions: No interaction found/established.

Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects (teratogenic).

Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe during breastfeeding. Limited data suggests the drug may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby.

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy in children below 2 years have not been established.

Geriatric Use: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Renal & Hepatic Impairment: No interaction found/established (minimal systemic absorption due to topical use).

Overdose: Overdose through local or accidental oral administration is not likely.

Storage: Store at 15°C to 30°C in a dry place protected from light. Do not use more than one month after first opening. Keep out of reach of children.

Ganciclovir Eye Gel