What is Zirgan ?
Zirgan® is an ocular topical antiviral gel used for the treatment of herpetic dendritic keratitis of the cornea.
How Does Zirgan® Work?
Zirgan® or Ganciclovir inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses. Zirgan® works in two ways. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase and inserts into viral primer strand DNA which results in DNA chain termination and replication.
Clinical resolution at day seven was 77% in clinical studies.
Side Effects for Zirgan®
Blurred vision in 60% of people
Eye irritation in 20% of people
Superficial punctate keratitis in 5% of people
Conjunctival hyperemia or redness
Warnings and Precautions for Zirgan®
Patients should not wear contact lenses while using Zirgan®.
Zirgan® should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the risk as there are not any adequately controlled studies in pregnant women. This also applies to nursing women.
Safety has not been established in patients below age two.
Administration and Strength of Zirgan®
The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye five times per day until the corneal lesion heals. Zirgan® should then be continued one drop three times per day for seven days.
How is Zirgan® Supplied?
Zirgan® is supplied in a five gram polycoated aluminum tube containing 0.15% ganciclovir topical ophthalmic gel.
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