Ganciclovir Protocol

Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat the symptoms of eye infections by cytomegalovirus or CMV in immunocompromised patients. The treatment is not curative, but can provide relief. Ganciclovir is also used to prevent CMV in patients with HIV or those who have had organ transplants.

Injection Protocol for CMV Retinitis

• Ganciclovir protocol for CMV retinitis begins with injections. Dosage is calculated at 2.3 milligrams per pound of body weight and injected into a vein once every 12 hours. This schedule should be followed for 14 to 21 days, then reduced to one injection daily for 7 days of the week, or once daily 5 days a week, at a dosage calculated at 2.7 mg per pound.

Oral Ganciclovir

• The injection period is followed up by oral ganciclovir in capsules, 1000 milligrams taken three times daily with food, or in 500mg capsules taken six times a day with food, about once every three hours.

CMV Prevention in Transplant Patients

• The protocol for CMV prevention in transplant patients consists of injections. Dosage is calculated at 2.3 milligrams per pound of body weight and injected into a vein once every 12 hours. This schedule is followed for 7 to 14 days, then reduced to one injection daily for 7 days of the week, or once daily 5 days a week, at a dosage calculated at 2.7 mg per pound.