Valcyte
Valcyte is an antiviral prescription medication that contains valganciclovir, a prodrug of ganciclovir. After oral administration, it is rapidly converted by intestinal and hepatic esterases to ganciclovir, which actively inhibits the replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is used to treat CMV retinitis and to prevent CMV disease in transplant patients.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult dosing for CMV prevention or retinitis maintenance is typically 900 mg orally once daily. Pediatric dosing must be calculated individually using the patient's body surface area (BSA) and renal function (creatinine clearance) via a modified Schwartz formula.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 4 months of age have not been established. Dosing must be calculated using BSA and renal clearance.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Individually calculated
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Individually calculated
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Individually calculated
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Individually calculated
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance. Max single dose should not exceed 900 mg.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 4 months of age have not been established. Dosing must be calculated using BSA and renal clearance. |
| 5-7 kg | Individually calculated | Once or twice daily | Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance. |
| 8-10 kg | Individually calculated | Once or twice daily | Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance. |
| 11-15 kg | Individually calculated | Once or twice daily | Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance. |
| 16-20 kg | Individually calculated | Once or twice daily | Dose must be calculated using the pediatric dosing equation: Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x Creatinine Clearance. Max single dose should not exceed 900 mg. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS, and prevention of CMV disease in high-risk kidney, heart, and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients.
Generic Name
ValganciclovirScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.