Description
Zirgan is a prescription medication used to treat dendritic ulcers in the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It belongs to the class of antiviral drugs and is specifically formulated for ophthalmic use.
Zirgan works by inhibiting the replication of the virus within the eye, helping to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with viral eye infections.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C9H13N5O4 |
License |
US DailyMed |
Bioavailability |
5% |
Legal status |
Rx-Only |
Chemical Name |
Ganciclovir |
Elimination half-life |
2.5–5 hours |
Dosage (Strength) |
0.15% |
Pregnancy |
Consult Doctor |
Brands |
Zirgan Eye Gel |
Protein binding |
Less than 2% |
PubChem CID |
3454 |
MedlinePlus |
a605011 |
ChEBI |
465284 |
ATC code |
J05AB06 |
DrugBank |
DB01004 |
KEGG |
D00333 |
Routes of administration |
Eye Gel |
Directions
The usual dosage is five drops into the affected eye five times daily. The frequency may be reduced to three times daily after the ulcer heals. Take Zirgin for as long as directed.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Zirgin \is ganciclovir.
Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
- Amphotericin B
- Cladribine
- CycloSPORINE (Systemic)
- Didanosine
- Fexinidazole
- Ganciclovir-Valganciclovir
- Imipenem
- Leflunomide
- Maribavir
- Mycophenolate
- Nitisinone
- Pretomanid
- Probenecid
- Taurursodiol
- Tenofovir Products
- Teriflunomide
- Zidovudine
Cautions
Do not wear contact lenses while using Zirgan. Take out lenses before applying the medication; they can be reinserted 15 minutes after application.
Zirgan is for use in the eyes only and should not be ingested or applied to other body areas.
If you experience any allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, or swelling, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions may include:
- Abdominal distension
- Abdominal pain
- Alopecia
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Arthralgia
- Asthenia
- Back pain
- Bone marrow failure
- Candidiasis
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Catheter infection
- Catheter sepsis
- Cellulitis
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Conjunctivitis
- Cough
- Decreased creatinine clearance
- Depression
- Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dysgeusia
- Dyspepsia
- Dysphagia
- Edema
- Elevated liver function tests
- Eructation
- Eye disease
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Flatulence
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Headache
- Hematologic toxicity
- Hematuria
- Hypoesthesia
- Hypotension
- Hypertension
- Increased serum creatinine
- Infection
- Inflammation at the injection site
- Insomnia
- Leukopenia
- Malaise
- Macular edema
- Multiorgan failure
- Muscle spasm
- Myalgia
- Myasthenia
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Otitis
- Pain
- Paresthesia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Phlebitis
- Pruritus
- Psychosis
- Renal failure syndrome
- Retinal detachment
- Seizure
- Sepsis
- Skin rash
- Thrombocytopenia
- Tinnitus
- Tremor
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary tract infection
- Urticaria
- Vasodilation
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Xeroderma
References
Zirgan [package insert]. Irvine, CA: 9, Sirion Therapeutic; 2009.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 12531