Ganciclovir
Ganciclovir is a potent antiviral medication structurally related to acyclovir. It works by inhibiting cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase, halting viral replication. Due to risks of severe hematological toxicities like granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia, its systemic use is restricted to serious CMV infections under close medical supervision.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult standard intravenous dose for CMV treatment is 5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days (induction), followed by 5 mg/kg once daily (maintenance). Ophthalmic gel (0.15%) is applied 5 times daily for active keratitis. Pediatric dosing is based on body weight, typically 6 mg/kg every 12 hours for congenital CMV, requiring precise calculation and renal adjustment.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 6 mg/kg (e.g., 12 to 24 mg)
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Standard congenital CMV pediatric dosing. Requires strict monitoring of renal function and absolute neutrophil count. Infuse slowly over 1 hour.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 30 to 42 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 6 mg/kg. Ensure optimal hydration before and during infusion to minimize renal toxicity.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 48 to 60 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 6 mg/kg. Complete blood counts (CBC) must be checked frequently due to potential bone marrow suppression.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 66 to 90 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 6 mg/kg. Dose reduction is mandatory if creatinine clearance drops.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 96 to 120 mg
- Frequency
- Every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 6 mg/kg. Pediatric therapy must be initiated and guided by an infectious disease specialist.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 6 mg/kg (e.g., 12 to 24 mg) | Every 12 hours | Standard congenital CMV pediatric dosing. Requires strict monitoring of renal function and absolute neutrophil count. Infuse slowly over 1 hour. |
| 5-7 kg | 30 to 42 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on 6 mg/kg. Ensure optimal hydration before and during infusion to minimize renal toxicity. |
| 8-10 kg | 48 to 60 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on 6 mg/kg. Complete blood counts (CBC) must be checked frequently due to potential bone marrow suppression. |
| 11-15 kg | 66 to 90 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on 6 mg/kg. Dose reduction is mandatory if creatinine clearance drops. |
| 16-20 kg | 96 to 120 mg | Every 12 hours | Based on 6 mg/kg. Pediatric therapy must be initiated and guided by an infectious disease specialist. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised patients and prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients.
Generic Name
GanciclovirBranded Drug Names
Ganciclovir is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.