Zirgan

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis, Keratitis, Herpetic, CMV colitis + 9 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Zirgan

What is Zirgan

Ganciclovir

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ganciclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by the Herpesvirus family, especially cytomegalovirus, which can be a complication of AIDS. Ganciclovir is an analog of acyclovir and is very effective in treating these virus infections.

Vitrasert

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Zirgan Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Vitrasert

Ganciclovir

1996

11

Effectiveness

How Zirgan Affects Patients

Ganciclovir is a drug used to fight various types of herpes viruses, including CMV, HSV-1 and HSV-2, EBV, and VZV. It works by blocking the DNA replication of the virus and preventing it from spreading to other cells. Ganciclovir is a synthetic version of a natural nucleoside (2'-deoxyguanosine) and is similar in structure to acyclovir.

How Zirgan works in the body

Ganciclovir works by disrupting the replication of the herpes virus. It is converted into an active form by an enzyme found in the virus. This form then blocks the virus’s DNA from growing and replicating. It takes the place of adenosine bases in the DNA strand, preventing it from forming new strands. Ganciclovir is more effective at blocking the virus than the body’s own DNA polymerase, and once it is removed, the virus’s DNA can begin to replicate again.

When to interrupt dosage

The endorsed amount of Zirgan is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Immunocompromised. The measure of dosage differs as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Gel) featured in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus gastroesophagitis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

HIV

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus Infections

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Keratitis, Herpetic

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Herpes zoster disease

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

CMV colitis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Immunocompromised

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus Infections

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Cytomegalovirus

250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL

, Oral, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule, Intravitreal, Implant, Ophthalmic, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Implant - Intravitreal, Gel, Intraventricular

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zirgan.

Common Zirgan Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Ganciclovir.

Procainamide

Major

The excretion of Procainamide can be decreased when combined with Ganciclovir.

Topotecan

Major

The excretion of Topotecan can be decreased when combined with Ganciclovir.

Aclidinium

Minor

Ganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.

Acrivastine

Minor

Ganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.

Zirgan Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lethal dose of methotrexate in mice is greater than 2g/kg when taken orally, and greater than 150mg/kg when given intravenously in dogs. Overdosing on methotrexate can lead to decreased production of blood cells, worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, and kidney failure. It is also thought to be a carcinogen.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zirgan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zirgan?

142 ongoing studies are assessing the potential of Zirgan to combat Cytomegalovirus Retinitis, Cytomegalovirus Infections and Cytomegalovirus Gastroesophagitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

CMV colitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Herpes zoster disease

0 Actively Recruiting

HIV

151 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

0 Actively Recruiting

varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomegalovirus Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Keratitis, Herpetic

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomegalovirus

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomegalovirus gastroesophagitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

5 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable

Immunocompromised

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Not Applicable

Cytomegalovirus Infections

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Zirgan Reviews: What are patients saying about Zirgan?

5

Patient Review

8/25/2013

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

Viroptic has been my go-to in the past, but this time my doctor gave me something different. I hated it. It did eventually work, but it was a slow process and painful the whole time. Even now, months later, if my eye is under stress I feel pain in that same spot. Not worth it.

5

Patient Review

4/19/2012

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

My son was prescribed this for an infection of the eye, and it worked well. We're dealing with a recurrence now, and I'm hoping it will be just as effective the second time around.

5

Patient Review

10/15/2010

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

This drug has been a life-saver for me. I have a recurrent eye infection/virus that Viroptic, the standard treatment, is highly ineffective against and actually makes my condition worse. Zirgan/Virgan is much less toxic and finally available in the US after 10 years of use in Europe.

4.7

Patient Review

6/8/2010

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

4

Patient Review

10/10/2017

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

Zirgan was prescribed to me for my shingles outbreaks. It worked very well and within a week the pain was gone. The only issue I have now is that my vision is still blurry.

3.7

Patient Review

9/20/2017

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

I started taking this medication today for my eye and so far it's been pretty painful. I'm wondering how long it will be before I start seeing results.

2.7

Patient Review

6/20/2013

Zirgan for Infection of the Cornea of the Eye with Ulcer Formation

Zirgan has been a life saver. I have herpes simplex in my eye which caused redness and lesions around the lower lid. My doctor recently prescribed me Zirgan, and after five applications per day, my redness had disappeared and my vision was back on track. I'm extremely grateful to the doctors and FDA for issuing this drug so that I can see clearly through my right eye again.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zirgan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Zirgan used for?

"Zirgan is a gel that contains the antiviral medication ganciclovir. It is used to treat herpes infections of the eye."

Answered by AI

How quickly does Zirgan work?

"Most people who take Zirgan for a herpes infection of the eye will see the ulcers heal within seven days. Be sure to keep any follow-up appointments to ensure that the infection is going away properly."

Answered by AI

How do I apply Zirgan gel to my eye?

"To avoid contaminating your medication, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface, including your eye. The pump head of the container is sterile. Instill your medication into the space between your lower eyelid and eyeball by depressing the plunger that is part of the pump head. Look up and away from the container as you depress the plunger. Do not allow the tip of the container to come into contact with your eye or any other surface. Wipe off any excess medication from your eyelids or lower eyelid with a clean tissue.

To use Zirgan Gel, wash your hands and apply the medication to the affected eye as directed by your doctor. Apply the medication 5 times a day until the eye has healed, and then 3 times a day for 7 more days."

Answered by AI

Is Zirgan still available?

"There is no version of the medication Zirgan that is therapeutically equivalent in the United States as of August 10, 2022. It is possible that there may be fraudulent online pharmacies that attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Zirgan, which may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Zirgan

Image of George Washington University Emergency Department in Washington D.C., United States.

Decision Support Tool for HIV Prevention

18+
All Sexes
Washington D.C., United States

This project will explore the development of a personalized decision support tool to assist with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation and persistence among patients identified in the emergency department (ED) and urgent care settings as PrEP eligible. First, the investigators will use a sequence of validated implementation science methodologies to develop and validate a decision support tool designed to optimize PrEP persistence by strengthening self-efficacy by addressing the multifaceted medical and social needs of the individual patient. The investigators will then test the preliminary effectiveness of this tool through a pilot stepped wedge implementation trial in two EDs and an urgent care in Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC among 120 PrEP eligible patients to determine PrEP initiation, linkage to care, persistence, and adherence rates.

Phase 1
Waitlist Available

George Washington University Emergency Department (+1 Sites)

Image of The University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, United States.

Behavioral vs Mindfulness Treatments for Insomnia in HIV

50 - 99
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effects of a telephone-delivered Brief Behavioral Treatment Insomnia (BBTI) versus a Brief Mindfulness Treatment (BMT) on cognitive and sleep outcomes in older adults with HIV. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the effects of BBTI vs BMT on self-reported and observed sleep outcomes in older adults with HIV and insomnia up to 1-year post-intervention? What are the effects of BBTI vs BMT on self-reported and observed cognitive comes in older adults with HIV and insomnia up to 1-year post-intervention? What is the association between Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers and sleep and cognitive outcomes in older adults with HIV receiving BBTI vs BMT? Participants will: * Complete 4 weeks of telephone-delivered BBTI or BMT * Attend baseline, post-intervention, and 1-year post in-person visits for sleep and cognitive assessments * Have blood collected at all three time points

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (+1 Sites)

Dr. Shameka L Cody, PhD, AGNP-C, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Image of University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, United States.

Olfactory Training for HIV

18+
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

The goal of this study is to examine two types of olfactory interventions (olfactory training vs overnight odor diffuser) in adults with HIV. The two research questions are: 1. Determine if participants find the intervention acceptable and assess feasibility of the study. 2. Determine if the intervention improves olfactory function and cognitive function. Participants will come to our office and be administered the baseline battery of questions including olfactory and cognitive performance tests. Then they will be randomized and sent home with one of the two interventions (below) in which they will engage in it for 8 weeks, after which they come back to our office for the posttest battery of questions including olfactory and cognitive performance test. 1. Olfactory Training at Home -- 4 scents in which they will smell twice a day for 8 weeks. 2. Overnight Diffuser Group -- a single scent diffuser that participants will turn on while they sleep and use for 8 weeks.

Phase < 1
Waitlist Available

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Image of Los Angeles General Medical Center in Los Angeles, United States.

Decision Support Tool for HIV Treatment

18+
All Sexes
Los Angeles, CA

This study is testing software designed to help healthcare providers choose the best HIV treatment combinations for their patients. HIV medicines, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), can be complex to manage because the right regimen depends on many factors-such as drug resistance, other health conditions, and medication schedules. Many people with HIV are cared for by general clinicians who may not have access to HIV specialists, which can make treatment decisions more challenging. In this study, healthcare providers will use patient cases to compare standard HIV treatment resources with a new clinical decision support tool that gives evidence-based ART recommendations at the point of care. The investigators hypothesize that using the tool will help providers select treatment plans that better match clinical guidelines, make decisions faster, reduce mental effort, and increase overall satisfaction with the prescribing process.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Los Angeles General Medical Center

Hayoun Lee, PhD

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Image of Center on Substance Use and Health in San Francisco, United States.

CHAMPION Intervention for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence

18 - 40
Male
San Francisco, CA

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to pilot test new mobile health (mHealth) interventions to improve PrEP adherence among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) with mild to moderate methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). The CHAMPION intervention combines two mHealth tools-PrEPAPP and CBT4CBT-to address both HIV prevention and MUD treatment needs in this population. The study's specific aims are: * To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the CHAMPION intervention based on treatment retention and engagement rates. * To examine the preliminary efficacy the CHAMPION intervention to improve PrEP adherence, as measured by dried blood spot (DBS) tests compared to the waitlist control group.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Center on Substance Use and Health

Glenn-Milo Santos, PhD, MPH

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N-803 for HIV

18 - 70
All Sexes
San Francisco, CA

Even though HIV medicine stops the virus from making more copies of itself, the virus remains in the body by hiding inside of immune cells. This hidden virus is referred to as the "latent reservoir." Researchers on this team are studying whether stimulating the immune system can change the nature of the latent reservoir and if this could help people control HIV without the need to take regular HIV medicine. This study is testing a drug called N-803. N-803 is also known as Interleukin-15 or "IL-15", a powerful and long lasting protein that can affect the immune system by stimulating immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. CD8+ T cells and NK cells are both crucial for eliminating infected cells. The drug is FDA-approved for the treatment of bladder cancer, but in this study the drug is being used experimentally for HIV.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

UCSF

Image of Alabama CRS (Site ID: 31788) in Birmingham, United States.

Dasatinib + Quercetin for HIV

18+
All Sexes
Birmingham, AL

This clinical trial is a Phase II study designed to test the safety and effectiveness of a combination of dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q) in improving physical function for people with HIV who are frail or prefrail. The study will involve 80 participants, all aged 50 or older, who have been living with HIV for at least 10 years determined to meet criteria for diagnosis of frail or prefrail and are currently on a stable antiretroviral therapy with viral suppression. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive the D+Q treatment, and the other will receive a placebo. The treatment will be given in six cycles over 12 weeks, with participants taking the medication for two days followed by 12 days without treatment. After the 12-week treatment period, participants will be monitored for another 12 weeks to assess the long-term effects. The study aims to determine if D+Q can improve physical function and other health outcomes in this population. Randomization will be stratified by sex and age to ensure balanced groups.

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

Alabama CRS (Site ID: 31788) (+26 Sites)

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Zirgan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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