Antimicrobials
Ganciclovir

Ganciclovir

N/A
N/A
IV: $$

General Information

Neonatal:

  • Baseline CBC with differential, serum creatinine, urea, AST, ALT, bilirubin
  • Bi-weekly during treatment: CBC with differential, liver function tests, serum creatinine and Urea
  • Monitor peripheral IV sites closely for phlebitis (highly irritating due to high pH)

Neonatal:

  • Neutropenia (most common): In most cases interruption of therapy or reduction of the dose by 50% will result in increase in ANC in 3-7 days. If ANC <0.5x10⁹/L or if ANC does not increase after dose reduction, therapy should be discontinued until ANC >1x10⁹/L
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Elevated liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin)
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Hazardous Drug (high level) Considered to be a potential teratogen and carcinogen in humans. Use chemotherapy precautions when handling or disposing
  • 5 day per week dosing schedule allows patients to receive IV therapy as outpatients
  • Use valganciclovir orally as there is no oral formulation of ganciclovir. Note: valganciclovir can NOT be substituted for ganciclovir on a one-to-one basis

Route of Elimination: Neonatal: Renal as unchanged drug