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)