uses
What is Zirgan used for?Zirgan (ganciclovir) is commonly used to treat acute herpetic keratitis, which is an infection of the eye’s protective covering (the cornea) caused by herpes simplex viruses. Zirgan may not be appropriate for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Viruses in some locations may have developed resistance to Zirgan, which will make it not work as well.Zirgan may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does Zirgan work (mechanism of action)?Zirgan prevents herpes simplex viruses from multiplying in the body by disrupting their ability to create DNA. How is Zirgan supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesZirganDosage forms and strengths0.15% ophthalmic gelHow should I store Zirgan?Zirgan should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.
how to use
gel that is applied to the eye
drug interactions
Does Zirgan interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Zirgan and foods or drinks.There are no known interactions between Zirgan and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.Does Zirgan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?There are no known interactions between Zirgan and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Zirgan?The most common side effects of Zirgan are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Blurry visionEye irritationEye inflammationEye redness There may be other side effects of Zirgan that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Zirgan?While less common, the most serious side effects of Zirgan are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Zirgan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zirgan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zirgan?If you or someone else has used too much Zirgan, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Zirgan?If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.It is important to complete your prescribed course of Zirgan, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Zirgan or other similar medicines.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Zirgan?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zirgan.ZirganGanciclovirAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zirgan.What should I know about Zirgan before using it?Do not use Zirgan unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share Zirgan with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep Zirgan out of the reach of children.Call your healthcare provider if you develop pain in the eye or if the redness, itching, or inflammation of your eye gets worse while using Zirgan.Zirgan should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface, including your finger. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use Zirgan.Do not wear contact lenses while your eye infection is being treated with Zirgan. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection is treated.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zirgan?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zirgan is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zirgan could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Zirgan while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zirgan passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Zirgan while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Zirgan?For more information about Zirgan, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.bausch.com/products/rx-pharmaceuticals/antiviral/ or call them at 800-553-5340.
about
Zirgan is a gel that is applied to the eye to treat infection caused by herpes simplex virus. It stops the virus from multiplying by disrupting its ability to create DNA. Common side effects include blurry vision and irritation, inflammation, and redness of the eye. Do not allow the dropper tip of the medicine to touch any surface including your eye.