Ganciclover uses and toxicity

Ganciclovir is used for the prophylaxis and treatment of CMV retinitis and other CMV infections in immunocompromised patients. Systemic toxic effects include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, hepatic dysfunction, and seizures. The drug may cause severe neutropenia when used with zidovudine or other myelosuppressive agents. valganciclovir has high oral bioavailability, because rapid hydrolysis in the intestine and liver after oral administration leads to high levels of ganciclovir. adverse effects include severe, dose-dependent neutropenia. Note: Combined treatment with zidovudine, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil can result in additive neutropenia.] Ganciclovir is carcinogenic as well as embryotoxic and teratogenic in experimental animals. Resistant CMV strains have been detected that have lower levels of ganciclovir triphosphate.