Antimicrobials
Ganciclovir

Ganciclovir

N/A
N/A
Non-formulary $$$

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

CMV treatment and prophylaxis.

  • CBC with differential and platelet count

  • Serum creatinine

  • Pregnancy test prior to initiation in females and reproductive potential

Black box warning: cytopenias, carcinogenicity/teratogenicity and impairment in fertility.

  • Cytopenias
  • Fever
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Rash
  • Retinal detachment (likely due to underlying diseases)
  • Caution with concomitant nephrotoxic agents

  • Increased seizure risk with imipenem

NIOSH hazardous agent. Use appropriate precautions for receiving, handling, administration and disposal.

Requires preparation by Pharmacy in the Chemotherapy hood.

Oral ganiciclovir no longer used due to poor absorption and high pill burden (replaced by valganciclovir).

Antimicrobial class: Nucleoside analog antiviral

Pregnancy category: C

Average serum half life: 3.5 hr

Biliary penetration: No data

CSF penetration: Moderate

Lung penetration: Therapeutic