Ganciclovir

Generic Name: ganciclovir

Cytomegalovirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Zirgan

11 DESCRIPTION ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% contains ganciclovir, a nucleoside analog antiviral. ZIRGAN is a sterile, preserved, clear, colorless, ophthalmic gel for topical ophthalmic use. The chemical name is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl]guanine (CAS number 82410-32-0). Ganciclovir is represented by the following structural formula: Ganciclovir has a molecular weight of 255.23, and the empirical formula is C 9 H 13 N 5 O 4 .

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% contains ganciclovir, a nucleoside analog antiviral. ZIRGAN is a sterile, preserved, clear, colorless, ophthalmic gel for topical ophthalmic use. The chemical name is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl]guanine (CAS number 82410-32-0). Ganciclovir is represented by the following structural formula: Ganciclovir has a molecular weight of 255.23, and the empirical formula is C 9 H 13 N 5 O 4 .

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZIRGAN is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ZIRGAN is a nucleoside analog antiviral indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days. Apply 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days. ( 2 )

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). Most common adverse reactions were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. ( 5.1 ) Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Topical Ophthalmic Use Only ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. 5.2 Avoidance of Contact Lenses Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. 5.3 Risk of Contamination Do not allow the tip of the container to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the ointment. If pain develops, or if redness, itching, or inflammation becomes aggravated, the patient should be advised to consult a physician. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data on use of ZIRGAN or ganciclovir during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risk. Intravenous administration of ganciclovir to pregnant mice or rabbits during organogenesis or during the pre/postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant doses (see Data ) . The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and the risk of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% is supplied as 5 grams of a sterile, preserved, clear, colorless, topical ophthalmic gel containing 0.15% of ganciclovir in a polycoated aluminum tube with a white polyethylene tip and cap and protective band (NDC 24208-535-35). Storage Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ganciclovir used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZIRGAN is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ZIRGAN is a nucleoside analog antiviral indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Ganciclovir?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). Most common adverse reactions were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Ganciclovir during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data on use of ZIRGAN or ganciclovir during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risk. Intravenous administration of ganciclovir to pregnant mice or rabbits during organogenesis or during the pre/postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant doses (see Data ) . The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and the risk of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

What are the important warnings for Ganciclovir?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. ( 5.1 ) Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Topical Ophthalmic Use Only ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. 5.2 Avoidance of Contact Lenses Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. 5.3 Risk of Contamination Do not allow the tip of the container to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the ointment. If pain develops, or if redness, itching, or inflammation becomes aggravated, the patient should be advised to consult a physician. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.