Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic gel
- 0.15% (5g)
Acute Herpetic Keratitis
Indicated for treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)
Initial: 1 drop to affected eye 5x/day (~q3hr while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals
Maintenance: 1 drop to affected eye TID for 7 days
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic gel
- 0.15% (5g)
Acute Herpetic Keratitis
<2 years
- Safety and efficacy not established
≥2 years
- Indicated for treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)
- Intitial: 1 drop to affected eye 5x/day (~q3hr while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals
- Maintenance: 1 drop to affected eye TID for 7 days
Adverse Effects
>10%
Visual acuity loss (10-20%)
Retinal detachment (10-20%)
Vitreous hemorrhage (10-20%)
1-10%
Punctate keratitis (5%)
Conjunctival hyperemia (5%)
Frequency Not Defined
Uveitis
Hyphema
IOP spike
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or acyclovir
Cautions
Indicated for topical ophthalmic use only
Contact lenses should not be worn during therapy
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women
Use only during pregnancy if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
Lactation
Unknown whether topical ophthalmic ganciclovir administration may result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk
Exercise caution when administered to nursing mothers
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits replication of viral DNA after ganciclovir is phosphorylated to a substrate, which competitively inhibits the binding of deoxyguanosine triphosphate to DNA polymerase
Pharmacokinetics
Negligible
Administration
Administration
Do not to allow dropper tip to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the gel
If pain develops, or if redness, itching, or inflammation becomes aggravated, the patient should consult a physician
Do not to wear contact lenses
Storage
Store at 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Do not freeze
Images
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
