Products
Ganciclovir is commercially available as a lyophilizate for the preparation of an infusion solution (Cymevene). It has been approved in many countries since 1988. Furthermore, an ophthalmic gel was registered in 2020.
Structure and properties
Ganciclovir (C9H13N5O4, Mr = 255.2 g/mol) is present in drugs as ganciclovir sodium, a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Ganciclovir itself is sparingly soluble in water. It is a nucleoside analog of 2′-deoxyguanosine. See also under the article Nucleic acids.
Effects
Ganciclovir (ATC J05AB06) has antiviral properties against herpes viruses. It is a prodrug and is phosphorylated in cells by viral and cellular kinases to ganciclovir triphosphate, which inhibits viral DNA synthesis and thus viral replication. Ganciclovir has poor oral bioavailability and is therefore also administered in the form of the prodrug valganciclovir (Valcyte), which is available perorally. Valganciclovir is hydrolyzed to ganciclovir after absorption.
Indications
For the treatment of severe cytomegaly in immunosuppressed patients and for the prevention of infection after transplantation.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Men who want to father a child
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include diarrhea, neutropenia, and fever.
