About ganciclovi r
Antiviral medicine
Used for
- Treats serious cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, including retinitis, in people with weakened immunity
- Prevents CMV disease after organ transplantation
Usual adult dose
Treatment: usually 5 mg/kg intravenously every 12 hours for 14–21 days. Prevention: usually 5 mg/kg once daily; kidney function affects dosing.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-determined; dosing depends on age, weight, kidney function, and indication.
Common side effects
- Low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting
- Fever or infection
- Kidney or liver test abnormalities
Important warnings
- Requires regular blood counts and kidney-function monitoring.
- Can cause severe bone-marrow suppression and increase infection or bleeding risk.
- May impair fertility and cause fetal harm; use contraception as directed.
- Given by intravenous infusion, not by injection into a vein as a rapid push.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid during pregnancy unless a specialist determines treatment is essential; effective contraception is important.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment because of potential serious effects on the infant.
Interactions
- Imipenem-cilastatin may increase seizure risk.
- Mycophenolate, zidovudine, or other marrow-suppressing medicines can worsen low blood counts.
- Probenecid may increase ganciclovir levels.
- Didanosine levels may rise; monitoring may be needed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.