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Ganciclovir - Learn about Ganciclovir Side Effects and Precautions

Ganciclovir Information

The pharmacology action of Ganciclovir is that it inhibits cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other virus replication by competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerases and direct incorporation into viral DNA.

Ganciclovir is used in  treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised patients, including patients with AIDS; prevention of CMV disease in organ transplant patients at risk for CMV.

Interaction and Contraindication of Ganciclovir

Interaction of Ganciclovir - Amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nephrotoxic drugs:  May increase serum creatinine.
Cytotoxic drugs:  May cause added toxicity.
Didanosine:  Ganciclovir may increase didanosine plasma levels. Ganciclovir levels may be decreased when administered 2 hr after didanosine but not when given simultaneously.
Imipenem-cilastatin:  May cause generalized seizures.
Probenecid:  May reduce renal clearance and increase serum levels of ganciclovir.
Zidovudine:  Zidovudine and ganciclovir can cause granulocytopenia; combination therapy at full dose may not be tolerated.

Contraindication of Ganciclovir - Hypersensitivity to acyclovir.

Side Effects of Ganciclovir

Here are the list of some common side effects of Ganciclovir :

• Headache; confusion.
• Rash; phlebitis or pain at injection site.
• Renal toxicity.
• Granulocytopenia; thrombocytopenia; anemia.
• Abnormal LFT results.
• Sepsis; fever.
  

Precaution and Warning while taking Ganciclovir

The precaution and warnings of Ganciclovir drug is as follows:

• Inform patient that it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
• Teach patient for CMV retinitis that drug is not a cure, but it may help to keep symptoms from getting worse.
• Advise CMV retinitis patients to have regular ophthalmologic examinations> q 6 wk during treatment.
• Instruct patients to use barrier form of contraception for> 90 days after treatment because ganciclovir is potentially teratogenic.
• Explain to men that drug may cause temporary or permanent male infertility.
• Tell patient to avoid crowds and people with infections.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: headache, mental status changes, rash, pain at injection site, fever, nausea, unusual bleeding or bruising, black tarry stools, other physical complaints

How to store Ganciclovir

• Prepare infusion solution by mixing with 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection, D5W, Ringer's Injection, or Lactated Ringer's Injection.
• Wear gloves, gown, and mask while preparing solution.
• Use caution during administration to prevent personal exposure.
• Do not infuse at concentrations above 10 mg/mL.