Ganciclovir (Systemic)

Brand Names : Cytovene, Cytovene-IV, DHPG

Proper Use of This Medicine

It is important that you take ganciclovir capsules with food . This is to make sure the medicine is fully absorbed into the body and will work properly.

To get the best results, ganciclovir must be given for the full time of treatment . Also, this medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, ganciclovir must be given on a regular schedule.

Dosing - The dose of ganciclovir will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ganciclovir. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For treatment of CMV retinitis after you have received ganciclovir injection for at least fourteen to twenty-one days:
    • Adults and teenagers - 1000 milligrams (mg) three times a day with food; or 500 mg six times a day, every three hours with food, during waking hours.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For prevention of CMV disease in transplant patients and patients with advanced HIV infection:
    • Adults and teenagers - 1000 mg three times a day with food.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For injection dosage form:
  • For treatment of CMV retinitis:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 5 mg per kilogram (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight is injected into a vein every twelve hours for fourteen to twenty-one days. Then, 5 mg per kilogram (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight is injected into a vein once a day for seven days of the week; or 6 mg per kilogram (2.7 mg per pound) of body weight is injected into a vein once a day for five days of the week.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For prevention of CMV in transplant patients:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 5 mg per kilogram (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight is injected into a vein every twelve hours for seven to fourteen days. Then the dose is reduced to 5 mg per kilogram (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight once a day for seven days of the week; or 6 mg per kilogram (2.7 mg per pound) of body weight is injected into a vein once a day for five days of the week.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.