What Alternate Names Are There For Ganciclovir? Cytovene
How is Ganciclovir (Ganciclovir - Oral Capsule) Pronounced? gan-SYE-klo-veer
Who is the Manufacturer of Ganciclovir? Ranbaxy
What is Ganciclovir Used For? This is an antiviral medication used to treat or prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections of the eye or for organ transplants.
How To Use Ganciclovir
Ganciclovir is taken by mouth. The capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with food. Do not open or crush the capsules. Use Ganciclovir exactly as prescribed. Do not stop using Ganciclovir or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Ganciclovir. At least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other liquids are recommended daily. Keep all doctor appointments and lab visits. Ganciclovir can affect your blood. Lab tests will be scheduled routinely to closely monitor the effect of Ganciclovir on your blood.
Ganciclovir Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, confusion, nervousness, abnormal dreams, tremor, tingling sensation in fingers, weakness, or swelling of feet or ankles. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of these serious effects occur: skin rash, sore throat, fever, chills, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, any unusual bleeding. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Ganciclovir Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, any allergies. Avoid contacting the skin or mucous membranes with the contents of the capsule. Should contact occur, wash with plenty of soap and water; thoroughly rinse eyes with plain water. Caution is advised if Ganciclovir is used in the elderly, as they may have decreased kidney function which can cause ganciclovir to build up in their bloodstream. Increased side effects may result. Ganciclovir is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using Ganciclovir. It is recommended that men and women use birth control measures while taking Ganciclovir since birth defects have been noted in animal studies. Men should use a barrier contraceptive (latex condom) while taking Ganciclovir and for at least 90 days after they stop taking it. Because it is not known if Ganciclovir appears in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Ganciclovir Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) including: didanosine, imipenem-cilastatin, dapsone, pentamidine, cancer chemotherapy drugs, amphotericin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Ganciclovir should be used under strict supervision by persons taking zidovudine (AZT) since the combination can result in severe blood disorders. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Ganciclovir Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose could be expected to be extensions of symptoms noted in Side Effects section.
Missed Ganciclovir Dose
Do not double dose if missed; check with your MD.
Ganciclovir Storage
Store at room temperature 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom.
