Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Ganciclovir Injection Ganciclovir Injection contains ganciclovir, in the form of the sodium salt for intravenous injection. Ganciclovir is a synthetic guanine derivative active against cytomegalovirus (CMV). Chemically, ganciclovir is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-ethoxy]methyl]guanine and ganciclovir sodium is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-ethoxy]methyl]guanine, monosodium...
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug with activity against CMV [see Microbiology (12.4) ] . 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption At the end of a 1-hour intravenous infusion of 5 mg/kg ganciclovir, total AUC ranged between 22.1 ± 3.2 (n=16) and 26.8 ± 6.1 mcg∙hr/mL (n=16) and C max ranged between 8.27 ± 1.02 (n=16) and 9.0 ± 1.4 mcg/mL (n=16). Distribution The steady-state volume of distribution of ganciclovir after intravenous administration was 0.74 ± 0.15 L/kg (n=98). Ganciclovir diffuses across the placenta. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations obtained 0.25 to 5.67 hours post-dose in 3 patients who received 2.5 mg/kg ganciclovir intravenously every 8 hours or every 12 hours ranged from 0.31 to 0.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ganciclovir Injection Ganciclovir Injection is a deoxynucleoside analogue cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the: treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). ( 1.1 ) prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of CMV Retinitis Ganciclovir Injection is indicated for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency...
Common Doses
- 5 mg
- 6 mg
- 1.25 mg
- 0.625 mg
Dosage
2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ganciclovir Injection is administered only intravenously. 2.1 Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function Treatment of CMV retinitis ( 2.3 ) Induction: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week. Prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients ( 2.4 ) Induction: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS Hematologic Toxicity: Granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia have been reported in patients treated with Ganciclovir Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data and limited human data, Ganciclovir Injection may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ganciclovir Injection Ganciclovir Injection is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ganciclovir, valganciclovir, or any component of the formulation. Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or valganciclovir. ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Impairment of Fertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were: pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache,...
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drug-drug interaction studies were conducted in patients with normal renal function. Patients with impaired renal function may have increased concentrations of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug following concomitant administration of Ganciclovir Injection Drug-drug interaction studies were conducted in patients with normal renal function. Patients with impaired renal function may have increased concentrations of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug following concomitant administration of Ganciclovir Injection and drugs excreted by the same pathway as ganciclovir.