Zirgan

Generic name: ganciclovir ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Zirgan?

Zirgan is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a viral infection of the eyes.

Before taking Zirgan, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Zirgan; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Zirgan with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Description

ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% contains a sterile, topical antiviral for ophthalmic use. The chemical name is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl]guanine (CAS number 82410-32-0). Ganciclovir is represented by the following structural formula:

Ganciclovir has a molecular weight of 255.23, and the empirical formula is C9H13N5O4.

Each gram of gel contains: ACTIVE: ganciclovir 1.5 mg (0.15%).
INACTIVES: carbomer homopolymer, water for injection, sodium hydroxide (to adjust the pH to 7.2-7.6), mannitol. PRESERVATIVE: benzalkonium chloride 0.075 mg (0.0075%).

Mechanism of Action

ZIRGAN contains the active ingredient, ganciclovir, which is a guanosine derivative that, upon phosphorylation, inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Ganciclovir is transformed by viral and cellular thymidine kinases (TK) to ganciclovir triphosphate, which works as an antiviral agent by inhibiting the synthesis of viral DNA in 2 ways: competitive inhibition of viral DNA-polymerase and direct incorporation into viral primer strand DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination and prevention of replication.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Zirgan?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Zirgan. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Zirgan best taken?

Use Zirgan as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

For the eye only.
Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Zirgan.
Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Zirgan that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

What are some other side effects of Zirgan?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Eye irritation.
Blurred eyesight.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Zirgan?

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

PACKAGE LABEL – PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 24208-535-35
BAUSCH+LOMB
Zirgan®
(ganciclovir
ophthalmic
gel) 0.15%
Sterile
FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC
USE ONLY
Rx only
5 g

SRC: NLM .

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