Gancyclovir / Ganciclovir
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Molecule Description
Ganciclovir is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of viral infections.
Uses
- Swelling of the layers of the eye that can lead to blindness (cytomegalovirus retinitis)
- Viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (herpes simplex keratitis)
- Prevention of virus that spreads through body secretions like saliva (cytomegalovirus infections) in patients with low immunity
Contraindications
When should one not use Gancyclovir / Ganciclovir
Allergic to Ganciclovir or other antiviral medicines.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Breathlessness
- Diarrhea
- Low blood count
- Headache
- Convulsions
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Abnormal dreams
- Fever
- Rash
- Swelling
- Deafness
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have any kidney problems, a lower dose and frequent blood counting may be required during treatment
- Low blood count (white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets)
- Decreased blood count following drug intake
- Radiotherapy
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Ganciclovir prevents the multiplication of the viral cells and stops the virus from forming new viruses and clears up your infection.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines which affect immunity of your body like cancer therapy drugs or HIV medicines
- Medicines that may affect kidney (such as Cyclosporine)
Interactions with food items
Food increases the levels of Ganciclovir in your body. Ganciclovir should be taken with or immediately after a meal.
Dosage
Overdose
- Symptoms of ganciclovir overdose are:
- Low count of white blood cell (WBC)
- Reduction in production of cells responsible for providing immunity
- Decrease in all blood counts
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Involuntary shaking or movement of limbs (commonly affecting hands, legs, face, head or vocal cords)
- Convulsions
- If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose, and do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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