title: Use of ganciclovir in the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections.
abstract: Ganciclovir (Cymevene*) is an antiviral drug that shows efficacy against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. These are particularly important in patients with AIDS or iatrogenic immunosuppression. Ganciclovir is a virostatic agent that prevents viral DNA replication: it is effective in CMV retinitis, colitis and pneumonitis. Since the drug is particularly taken up by cells with a high rate of DNA replication, its adverse effects are most pronounced in bone marrow and testis; its present indications are therefore only for serious CMV disease.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Henderson
mesh_terms: D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000187:drug effects; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D015774:Ganciclovir