Initial dose is administered at the Day Medicine Unit at Foothills Medical Centre. If the patient tolerates the medication, the Home Care Program arranges and monitors the administration of the medication in the community. The oral formulation at 1g three times daily may be an alternative. Advantages of Ganciclovir Ganciclovir inhibits CMV and slows progression of CMV Retinitis. If AZT is to be used with Ganciclovir maintenance, its dose may need to be reduced.
Dose needs to be adjusted for renal function.
Patients would usually get their first dose of this drug at the Day Medicine Unit at Foothills Medical Centre, then be followed-up in the community by Calgary Health Services, Home Care. This drug may also cause headache, nausea, fatigue and fever. If the patient experiences no reactions, you may proceed directly to therapeutic dose. A Home Care referral will be made for remaining doses. Administer total daily dose over 2 - 6 hours as tolerated Intensity of adverse reactions may be reduced by reduction of dosage or by administering drug on alternate days.