Ganciclovir

Chemical Structure / Formula of Ganciclovir

  • Formula: C₉H₁₃N₅O₄
  • Structure: A synthetic analog of guanosine with an additional hydroxymethyl (-CH2OH) side chain.

Ganciclovir

Mechanism of Action

  • Prodrug activated by viral thymidine kinase (TK) in HSV or UL97 kinase in CMV.
  • Phosphorylated to Ganciclovir triphosphate, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase, leading to DNA chain termination.

Uses of Ganciclovir

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in immunocompromised patients (e.g., AIDS, transplant recipients).
  • Prophylaxis for CMV in organ transplant patients.

Side Effects

  • Bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia).
  • Nephrotoxicity (crystal-induced kidney damage).
  • CNS effects (confusion, seizures, neuropathy).

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