Valganciclovir
Valganciclovir Information

About Valganciclovir

An ester of ganciclovir, it inhibits viral DNA synthesis. It is given for the initial treatment and maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients. It is also effective in prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients.

Indications

Valganciclovir is primarily indicated in conditions like Acid reflux disease (long-term management), Cytomegalovirus retinitis in aids patients.

Contraindication

Valganciclovir

Side Effects

The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Valganciclovir are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Flatulence, Dizziness, Headache, Ataxia, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Anxiety, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Sweating, Dry mouth, Rashes, Pruritus, Gastritis, Mouth ulcers, Dysuria, Photosensitivity, Dyspepsia, Sleep disturbance, Hypotension, Coma, Psychosis, Tremor, Arthralgia, Nausea and vomiting, Dry skin, Acne, Dysphagia, Chest pain, Esophagitis, GI hemorrhage, Fecal incontinence, Paresthesias, Hypertension, Migraine, Amnesia, Hearing disturbances, Myasthenia, Injection-site reactions, Breast pain, Eye or ear pain, Hyperkinesia, Abnormal dreams, Seizures.

Warnings

Valganciclovir should be used with exterme caution and there should be a close monitoring of blood counts (dose adjstment or interruption may be required); history of cytopenia; low platelet count; potential carcinogen and teratogen; renal impairment; ensure adequate hydration during I/V adminstration; vesicant---infuse into vein with adequate flow preferably using a plastic cannula; limited experience in children (possible risk of long-term carcinogenic or reproductive toxicity-----not for neonatal or congenital cytomegalovirus disease)

High Risk Groups

If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.