Valganciclovir

Drug #1733

An ester of ganciclovir, it inhibits viral DNA synthesis. It is given for the initial treatment and maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients. It is also effective in prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin.

Non-proprietary name: Valganciclovir.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Valganciclovir has an oral bioavailability is 60%.

Indications

Valganciclovir is primarily indicated in conditions like Acid reflux disease (long-term management), Cytomegalovirus retinitis in aids patients.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Dosage

None recorded.

Drug Interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Valganciclovir is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Abnormal dreams, Acne, Amnesia , Anorexia , Anxiety, Arthralgia, Ataxia, Breast pain, Chest pain, Coma , Constipation , Diarrhea, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Dry skin, Dyspepsia , Dysphagia, Dysuria, Esophagitis, Eye or ear pain, Fecal incontinence, Fever, Flatulence, Gastritis, GI hemorrhage, Headache, Hearing disturbances, Hyperkinesia, Hypertension , Hypotension , Injection-site reactions, Migraine , Mouth ulcers, Myalgia, Myasthenia, Nausea and vomiting, Paresthesias, Photosensitivity, Pruritus , Psychosis, Rashes , Seizures, Sleep disturbance, Sweating , Tremor.

Warnings / Precautions

Valganciclovir should be used with exterme caution and there should be a close monitoring of blood counts (dose adjstment or interruption may be required); history of cytopenia; low platelet count; potential carcinogen and teratogen; renal impairment; ensure adequate hydration during I/V adminstration; vesicant---infuse into vein with adequate flow preferably using a plastic cannula; limited experience in children (possible risk of long-term carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity-----not for neonatal or congenital cytomegalovirus disease)

Available Brands

None recorded.

Drug Classification

1.6.5.1 — Herpes and cytomegalovirus infection