Valganciclovir

KEY POINTS

• Valganciclovir (Valcyte) is an antiviral drug and prodrug that converts to ganciclovir once in the body
  • Ganciclovir is phosphorylated to a substrate which competitively inhibits binding of deoxyguanosine triphosphate to DNA polymerase, resulting in inhibition of viral DNA synthesis
• Only available oral (solution or pill), ganciclovir is the injectable counterpart of valganciclovir
  • Adjust doses for renal function
  • Switch from injectable ganciclovir to oral valaganciclovir when possible
• Is used for the treatment or prophylaxis versus cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Beware adverse effects such as blood dyscrasias (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), teratogenic effects, renal dysfunction, hypertension, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tremor and fever

RESOURCES

• Valganciclovir Intravenous Package Insert
• Cytomegalovirus in solid organ transplantation
• Jackson Memorial Hospital / University of Miami Renal Dosing Guide (adults)
• Jackson Memorial Hospital / University of Miami Renal Dosing Guide (pediatrics)