Pharmacokinetics of antiviral agents for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection.
OBJECTIVE
The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and other advantages and disadvantages of ganciclovir and valganciclovir are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Shortcomings of oral ganciclovir include low bioavailability, large pill burden, patient nonadherence, and the emergence of resistance. Valganciclovir, an oral prodrug of ganciclovir, has a nearly tenfold greater absolute bioavailability than ganciclovir. Dosage adjustment is required for both drugs in patients with renal impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
The pharmacokinetic profile of valganciclovir offers significant advantages for its use in cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis.
Baillie
G Mark
GM
Clinical Coordinator, Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. bailliem@musc.edu
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001682:Biological Availability; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States
D000998:Antiviral Agents