AGENTS FOR HERPES AND CYTOMEGOLOVIRUS

NAME OF DRUG MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATIONS AND NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

 Ganciclovir may cause low white
Drug Name: blood cell levels, low platelet
 Cytovene levels, and anemia. In animal
studies, it caused cancer, low
Generic Name: sperm production, and birth
 Ganciclovir defects. Ganciclovir is used to
treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye
Classification: infection in patients with a
 Antiviral weakened immune system. It is
also used to prevent CMV
Dosage and Frequency: infection in certain transplant
 Oral: 1000 mg 3 times a day or patients. It is not approved for
500 mg 6 times a day (every 3 any other conditions.
hours while awake) with food.
Route:
 Oral
CONTRAINDICATIONS/ ADVERSE
EFFECTS
 Do not confuse Cytovene
Indications: (ganciclovir) with Cytosar
 Treating CMV eye infection in (cytarabine).
patients with a weakened  Prepare solution in a biologic
immune system. It is used to cabinet. Wear gloves, gown, and
prevent CMV infection in certain mask while handling medication.
organ transplant patients. It may Discard IV equipment in specially
also be used for other conditions designated containers.
as determined by your doctor.  Do not administer subcut or IM;
 Ganciclovir is an antiviral agent. It severe tissue irritation may
works by blocking reproduction result.
of the CMV virus.  IV: Observe infusion site for
phlebitis. Rotate infusion site to
Contraindications: prevent phlebitis.
Don’t use if:  Maintain adequate hydration
 you are allergic to any ingredient throughout therapy.
in ganciclovir or to acyclovir
 you have very low white blood
cell or platelet levels
 Contact your doctor or health
care provider right away if any of
these apply to you.
Adverse Reactions:
 CNS: SEIZURES, abnormal
dreams, coma, confusion,
dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
malaise, nervousness.
 Resp: dyspnea.
 CV: arrhythmias, edema,
hypertension, hypotension.
 GI: GI BLEEDING, abdominal
pain,qliver enzymes, nausea,
vomiting.
 GU:gonadal suppression,
hematuria, renal toxicity
 Derm: alopecia, photosensitivity,
pruritus, rash, urticaria. Endo:
hypoglycemia.
 Hemat: neutropenia,
thrombocytopenia, anemia,
eosinophilia.
 Local: pain/phlebitis at IV sites
 Neuro: ataxia, tremor.
 Misc: fever.