Side Effects of ganciclovir: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies
- Home
- Side Effects of ganciclovir
This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of ganciclovir: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies", please consult your doctor.
For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
Major Research Findings
Ganciclovir is a drug used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, a common complication after organ transplantation. 5 While effective, ganciclovir can cause various side effects, including myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity. 7 Research also suggests that ganciclovir may be responsible for respiratory chain dysfunction leading to lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. 20
Reasons for Side Effects
Ganciclovir's side effects are a result of its mechanism of action. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase, preventing viral replication. However, this process can also affect human cells, leading to adverse reactions. 15
Common Side Effects
Myelosuppression
A significant side effect of ganciclovir is myelosuppression, a condition where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough blood cells. This can lead to low white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infections. 7 This side effect is more common in patients with pre-existing bone marrow problems or those receiving high doses of ganciclovir.
Nephrotoxicity
Ganciclovir can also cause nephrotoxicity, damage to the kidneys. This can manifest as decreased urine production, swelling, and high blood pressure. 20 Similar to myelosuppression, higher ganciclovir doses or pre-existing kidney issues increase the risk. 22
Lactic Acidosis
Ganciclovir has been associated with lactic acidosis, a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. 20 This side effect can be life-threatening and is more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney problems. 12
Countermeasures for Side Effects
Myelosuppression
To manage myelosuppression, doctors may lower the ganciclovir dose or stop treatment altogether. 4 They may also administer medications like hematopoietic growth factors to help stimulate blood cell production.
Nephrotoxicity
Reducing ganciclovir dosage or discontinuing treatment can help manage nephrotoxicity. 20 Supportive measures like intravenous fluids can also be used.
Lactic Acidosis
Treatment for lactic acidosis involves lowering the ganciclovir dose or stopping its use. Intravenous fluids can be used to support patients and help manage the symptoms. 11
Comparison Between Studies
Commonalities
All studies agree that ganciclovir is an effective treatment for CMV infection. However, they consistently highlight the potential for side effects. 15
Differences
The studies vary in their findings regarding the frequency and severity of ganciclovir side effects. 7 This variability likely stems from differences in the age, underlying health conditions, and ganciclovir dosage among the study participants. It's important to note that these study results shouldn't be directly applied to clinical practice. 25
Points to Note for Application to Real Life
Ganciclovir is an effective treatment for CMV infection, but it comes with the risk of side effects. 20 It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking ganciclovir. If you suspect any side effects, consult your doctor promptly. 12
Limitations of Current Research
The research on ganciclovir side effects is still ongoing and not fully comprehensive. 15 The long-term effects of ganciclovir use are still not fully understood. 14 Further research on the side effects of ganciclovir is needed. 19
Future Directions for Research
The development of new drugs that reduce the side effects of ganciclovir is a priority. 19 Additionally, developing new tests that can detect ganciclovir side effects early is crucial. 24
Conclusion
Ganciclovir is an effective treatment option for CMV infection, but its use must be carefully considered due to the potential for side effects. 3 Following your doctor's instructions is critical, and any suspected side effects should be reported promptly. 12 Research efforts should focus on developing safer and more effective treatments to manage CMV infection. 15
Benefit Keywords
Risk Keywords
Article Type
Author: HeXiao-Ri, ChenPing-Yang, WangTao, XieZong-De, HuJin-Tao, BoTao, GeJian-Fang
Language : Chinese
Author: ShahSrushti, PatelVandana
Language : English
Author: MaschmeyerG, CarratalàJ, BuchheidtD, HamprechtA, HeusselC P, KahlC, LorenzJ, NeumannS, RiegerC, RuhnkeM, SalwenderH, Schmidt-HieberM, AzoulayE
Language : English
Author: CoppockGaia M, BlumbergEmily
Language : English
Author: ZhangYu, ZhouTao, HuangMingzhu, GuGuangxiang, XiaQiang
Language : English
Author: LiuFengting, LiLili, LiYanxia, MaXiaofang, BianXiyun, LiuXiaozhi, WangGuowen, ZhangDianying
Language : English
Author: WeiRan, JiaLu-Lu, YuYun-Cui, NieXiao-Lu, SongZi-Yang, FanDuan-Fang, XieYue-Feng, PengXiao-Xia, ZhaoZhi-Gang, WangXiao-Ling
Language : English
Author: HahnFriedrich, HuttererCorina, HenryChristophe, HamiltonStuart T, StrojanHanife, KrautAlexandra, SchulteUlrike, SchützMartin, KohrtStephan, WangenChristina, PfizerJosé, CoutéYohann, RawlinsonWilliam D, StroblStefan, MarschallManfred
Language : English
Author: TakharJaskirat S, JoyeAshlin S, SomkijrungrojThanapong, LaovirojjanakulWipada, LinChang-Ping, LietmanThomas M, PorcoTravis C, KeenanJeremy D, GebreegziabherElisabeth A, SeitzmanGerami D, Rose-NussbaumerJennifer, DoanThuy A, AcharyaNisha R, GonzalesJohn A
Language : English
Author: NakagawaHiroo, MatsumaruYumi, NoseSeiichi, SasakiHitoshi, KitaharaTakashi
Language : Japanese
Author: CamposFábio Prestes de, PansardHenry Mor, ArantesLuiz Cláudio, RodriguesArnaldo Teixeira, DaubermannMelissa Falster, AzambujaMarcos Felipe, ArgentaLaércio Cassol, SilvaLuiz Alberto Michet da
Language : English
Author: TanBan Hock
Language : English
Author: KottonCamille Nelson, KamarNassim
Language : English
Author: MaschmeyerGeorg, DonnellyJ Peter
Language : English
Clinical development of letermovir and maribavir: Overview of human cytomegalovirus drug resistance.
Author: PiretJocelyne, BoivinGuy
Language : English
HCMV modulation of cellular PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling: New opportunities for therapeutic intervention?
Author: AltmanAaron M, MahmudJamil, Nikolovska-ColeskaZaneta, ChanGary
Language : English
Author: ZhangJing, KamoiKoju, ZongYuan, YangMingming, Ohno-MatsuiKyoko
Language : English
Author: ÄrlemalmAndreas, HelldénAnders, KarlssonLouise, CarlssonBjörn
Language : English
Author: MaffiniEnrico, GiacconeLuisa, FestucciaMoreno, BrunelloLucia, BuscaAlessandro, BrunoBenedetto
Language : English
Author: WitteboleXavier, MorelleJohann, VincentMarie-Françoise, HantsonPhilippe
Language : English
Author: HojeijRim, Domingos-PereiraSonia, NkosiMarianne, GharbiDalila, DerréLaurent, SchillerJohn T, JichlinskiPatrice, Nardelli-HaefligerDenise
Language : English
Author: HornigJulia, McGregorAlistair
Language : English
Case Report: Fatal cytomegalovirus pneumonia after CAR-T cell therapy in the long-term follow-up.
Author: ChengJiali, HuangJin, CaoWenyue, HuangLiang, MaoXia, ChenLiting, ZhouJianfeng, WangNa
Language : English
Author: El-HaddadDanielle, El ChaerFiras, VanichananJackapat, ShahDimpy P, Ariza-HerediaElla J, MulanovichVictor E, GulbisAlison M, ShpallElizabeth J, ChemalyRoy F
Language : English
Author: Jedlińska-PijanowskaDominika, Czech-KowalskaJustyna, KłodzińskaMagdalena, PietrzykAleksandra, MichalskaEliza, GradowskaKinga, DobrzańskaAnna, KasztelewiczBeata, GruszfeldDariusz
Language : English
Author: Halpern-CohenVirginie, BlumbergEmily A
Language : English
Author: VeitTobias, MunkerDieter, BartonJürgen, MilgerKatrin, KaukeTeresa, MeiserBruno, MichelSebastian, ZollerMichael, NitschkoHans, KepplerOliver T, BehrJürgen, KneidingerNikolaus
Language : English
This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.