Zirgan

Generic name: Ganciclovir Ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Usage of Zirgan

Zirgan is an antiviral medicine. It slows the growth and spread of the cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Zirgan ophthalmic gel is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Zirgan is not a cure for CMV or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.

Zirgan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zirgan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

vision changes;

eye pain, burning, redness, or watering;

a gritty feeling, like something is in your eye; or

watery eyes, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

Common Zirgan side effects may include:

blurred vision;

eye irritation; or

redness, watering, sensitivity to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Zirgan

You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes); or

low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding).

It is not known whether Zirgan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Ganciclovir can decrease sperm count and may affect a man's fertility (ability to have children). It is not known whether ganciclovir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Zirgan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Zirgan gel should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Zirgan

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Dendritic Keratitis:

Instill 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times a day (about every 3 hours while awake) until corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days. Use: For the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Dendritic Keratitis:

2 years or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times a day (about every 3 hours while awake) until corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days. Use: For the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)

Warnings

You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

Zirgan is not a cure for cytomegalovirus or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.

To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding), or an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes).

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Zirgan. You should not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.

What other drugs will affect Zirgan

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

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