Zirgan
Generic name:ganciclovir ophthalmic [ gan-SYE-klo-vir-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class:Ophthalmic anti-infectives
What is Zirgan?
Zirgan is an antiviral medicine. It slows the growth and spread of the cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Zirgan ophthalmic gel is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus in adults and children at least 2 years old.
Zirgan is not a cure for CMV or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.
Warnings
You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
Zirgan is not a cure for cytomegalovirus or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.
To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding), or an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes).
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Zirgan. You should not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes); or
low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding).
It is not known whether Zirgan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Ganciclovir can decrease sperm count and may affect a man's fertility (ability to have children). It is not known whether ganciclovir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Zirgan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Zirgan gel should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Zirgan?
Use Zirgan ophthalmic gel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Zirgan ophthalmic gel is usually applied about every 3 hours while you are awake (up to 5 times per day). Once the eye ulcer heals, the gel is usually applied 3 times per day for 7 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply Zirgan:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop into this pocket, the close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
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