Friday, October 5, 2007

Ganciclovir (Cytovene)

Name: Ganciclovir (Cytovene)

Class: Antiviral

Mech.: Phosph by viral thymidine kinase. Competes w/normal nucleotides. Prevents chain elongation upon incorporation. Also inhib. viral and cellular DNA polymerase.

Absorption: Poor oral. Usu. given IV.

Distribution: Good CSF

Metab.:

Excretion, t½: Renal excretion. 4 hr.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Bone marrow suppression. Teratogenic and mutagenic in experimental animals.

Utility: Cytomegalovirus

Special Features: