zirgan
Zirgan (Ganciclovir) is a cytomegalovirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor used to treat Aids-Related Opportunistic Infections, Cytomegalovirus Retinitis.
Ganciclovir · by Bausch and Lomb
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Ganciclovir
- Form
- Topical
- Strength
- Ganciclovir 0.15%
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Bausch and Lomb
- FDA application
- NDA022211
What is Zirgan?
From the FDA label:ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% contains ganciclovir, a nucleoside analog antiviral. ZIRGAN is a sterile, preserved, clear, colorless, ophthalmic gel for topical 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 C 9 H 13 N 5 O 4 . 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%). ChemStructure
How to use
The recommended dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days. Apply 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days. ( 2 )
Side effects
Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). Most common adverse reactions were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings
Important safety information
ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. ( 5.1 ) Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Topical Ophthalmic Use Only ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. 5.2 Avoidance of Contact Lenses Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. 5.3 Risk of Contamination Do not allow the tip of the container to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the ointment. If pain develops, or if redness, itching, or inflammation becomes aggravated, the patient should be advised to consult a physician.
Who should not take Zirgan
None. None.
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Zirgan ranks — best-rated cytomegalovirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Topical
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Zirgan treat?
- Zirgan (Ganciclovir) may be used to treat AIDS-related opportunistic infections, cytomegalovirus retinitis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Zirgan?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Zirgan. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Zirgan?
- Zirgan is marketed by Bausch and Lomb. You can see Bausch and Lomb's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Zirgan a brand-name or generic drug?
- Zirgan is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Ganciclovir.
- Is Zirgan available over the counter?
- No. Zirgan is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Zirgan come in?
- Zirgan is currently marketed as topical, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Zirgan?
- Zirgan is classified as cytomegalovirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor, nucleoside analog antiviral, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Zirgan FDA-registered?
- Zirgan is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA022211. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Zirgan safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Zirgan. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Zirgan?
- Zirgan's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). Most common adverse reactions were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%).… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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