Products
Valganciclovir is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Valcyte). It has been approved in many countries since 2001. Generic versions were registered in 2014.
Structure and properties
Valganciclovir (C14H22N6O5, Mr = 354.4 g/mol) is an L-valine ester prodrug of ganciclovir and is present in the drug product as valganciclovir hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Valganciclovir has better bioavailability than ganciclovir and therefore can be administered perorally.
Effects
Valganciclovir (ATC J05AB14) has antiviral properties against herpes viruses. It is hydrolyzed after absorption to the active metabolite ganciclovir, a nucleoside analog of 2′-deoxyguanosine. In cells, ganciclovir is phosphorylated by viral and cellular kinases to ganciclovir triphosphate, which inhibits viral DNA synthesis and thus viral replication.
Indications
- For the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS.
- For prevention of cytomegaly in solid organ transplant recipients at increased risk.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Depending on the indication, valganciclovir is taken once or twice daily with a meal. Due to potential fruit damaging and mutagenic properties, do not break or crush the tablets.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- 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, fever, nausea, and blood count disturbances (neutropenia, anemia).
