About ganciclovir
Antiviral medicine; guanosine analogue
Used for
- Treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with weakened immunity.
- Helps prevent CMV disease after certain organ transplants.
Usual adult dose
Intravenous: usually 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14–21 days, then maintenance dosing; transplant prevention regimens vary.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-set dosing based on body size and kidney function; used for selected CMV infections or prevention.
Common side effects
- Low blood cell counts, including neutropenia and anaemia
- Kidney problems
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting
- Fever or infection
Important warnings
- Requires monitoring of blood counts and kidney function.
- Can cause severe bone marrow suppression and infections.
- May harm fertility and cause birth defects; use effective contraception as directed.
- Dose adjustment is needed with impaired kidney function.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm; generally avoid during pregnancy unless essential. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment because of potential serious effects on the infant.
Interactions
- Imipenem-cilastatin may increase seizure risk.
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow can worsen low blood counts.
- Probenecid may increase ganciclovir levels.
- Didanosine levels may rise when taken with ganciclovir.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.