ganciclovir ophthalmic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

ganciclovir ophthalmic is an antiviral drug that prevents viral DNA from replicating. The viral enzyme thymidine kinase transforms it from a synthetic nucleoside analogue to its active form, ganciclovir triphosphate.

When the viral DNA chain is expanding, ganciclovir triphosphate joins it and competes with the normal nucleoside triphosphates to prevent its creation. ganciclovir primarily targets certain viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined  

1-10% 

Conjunctival hyperemia (5%) 

Punctate keratitis (5%) 

>10% 

Retinal detachment (10-20%) 

Vitreous hemorrhage (10-20%) 

Visual acuity loss (10-20%) 

Frequency not defined 

Hyphema 

Uveitis 

IOP spike 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• ganciclovir ophthalmic should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to ganciclovir. 

Caution: 

• ganciclovir ophthalmic should not be used while wearing contact lenses.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

ganciclovir ophthalmic is a synthetic nucleoside analog of guanosine. It inhibits viral DNA replication by competitively inhibiting viral DNA polymerase and acting as a chain terminator.  

Pharmacodynamics 

ganciclovir ophthalmic is specifically formulated for ocular use, and its effects are primarily localized to the eye.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

When applied topically to the eye, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel or solution is minimally absorbed systemically.  

Distribution 

The distribution of ganciclovir outside the eye is limited due to the low systemic absorption.  

Metabolism 

ganciclovir ophthalmic undergoes limited metabolism in the body.  

Elimination and excretion 

ganciclovir ophthalmic is eliminated via renal excretion.

Adminstartion

Administration 

ganciclovir ophthalmic is usually available in the form of an ophthalmic gel or ophthalmic solution.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ganciclovir ophthalmic  

Why do we use ganciclovir ophthalmic? 

ganciclovir ophthalmic is indicated for the treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) keratitis, which is a viral infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus. ganciclovir ophthalmic is used for the local treatment of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, which is a viral infection affecting the retina.