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What is Zirgan
GanciclovirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGanciclovir 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.
Vitrasertis the brand name
Zirgan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Vitrasert
Ganciclovir
1996
11
Effectiveness
How Zirgan Affects PatientsGanciclovir 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 bodyGanciclovir 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
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
CMV colitis
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
Immunocompromised
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
Keratitis, Herpetic
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
Cytomegalovirus Infections
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
HIV
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, 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
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
Cytomegalovirus gastroesophagitis
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, 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
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
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
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
Cytomegalovirus Infections
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, Intraventricular
Cytomegalovirus
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 50.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Oral, , Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Intravenous, Intravitreal, Implant, Implant - Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, Gel, Gel - Ophthalmic, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intraventricular, 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 RiskThe 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.
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
Immunocompromised
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Cytomegalovirus Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV
146 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3
Cytomegalovirus
0 Actively Recruiting
varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Cytomegalovirus gastroesophagitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Cytomegalovirus Infections
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Keratitis, Herpetic
0 Actively Recruiting
CMV colitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Herpes zoster disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Zirgan Reviews: What are patients saying about Zirgan?
5Patient Review
8/25/2013 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.
5Patient Review
4/19/2012 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.
5Patient Review
10/15/2010 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.
4.7Patient Review
6/8/20104Patient Review
10/10/2017 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.
3.7Patient Review
9/20/2017 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.
2.7Patient Review
6/20/2013 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.
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