What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Zirgan Eye Gel (Ganciclovir)
Also Known as Virgan
Prescription Required
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Related Products & Conditions
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Product Details
Description
Zirgan is a prescription medication used to treat dendritic ulcers in the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It belongs to the class of antiviral drugs and is specifically formulated for ophthalmic use.
Zirgan works by inhibiting the replication of the virus within the eye, helping to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with viral eye infections.
Fact Table
Formula
C9H13N5O4
License
US DailyMed
Bioavailability
5%
Legal status
Rx-Only
Chemical Name
Ganciclovir
Elimination half-life
2.5–5 hours
Dosage (Strength)
0.15%
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Brands
Zirgan Eye Gel
Protein binding
Less than 2%
PubChem CID
3454
MedlinePlus
a605011
ChEBI
465284
ATC code
J05AB06
DrugBank
DB01004
KEGG
D00333
Routes of administration
Eye Gel
Directions
The usual dosage is five drops into the affected eye five times daily. The frequency may be reduced to three times daily after the ulcer heals. Take Zirgin for as long as directed.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Zirgin \is ganciclovir.
Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
- Amphotericin B
- Cladribine
- CycloSPORINE (Systemic)
- Didanosine
- Fexinidazole
- Ganciclovir-Valganciclovir
- Imipenem
- Leflunomide
- Maribavir
- Mycophenolate
- Nitisinone
- Pretomanid
- Probenecid
- Taurursodiol
- Tenofovir Products
- Teriflunomide
- Zidovudine
Cautions
Do not wear contact lenses while using Zirgan. Take out lenses before applying the medication; they can be reinserted 15 minutes after application.
Zirgan is for use in the eyes only and should not be ingested or applied to other body areas.
If you experience any allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, or swelling, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions may include:
- Abdominal distension
- Abdominal pain
- Alopecia
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Arthralgia
- Asthenia
- Back pain
- Bone marrow failure
- Candidiasis
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Catheter infection
- Catheter sepsis
- Cellulitis
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Conjunctivitis
- Cough
- Decreased creatinine clearance
- Depression
- Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dysgeusia
- Dyspepsia
- Dysphagia
- Edema
- Elevated liver function tests
- Eructation
- Eye disease
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Flatulence
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Headache
- Hematologic toxicity
- Hematuria
- Hypoesthesia
- Hypotension
- Hypertension
- Increased serum creatinine
- Infection
- Inflammation at the injection site
- Insomnia
- Leukopenia
- Malaise
- Macular edema
- Multiorgan failure
- Muscle spasm
- Myalgia
- Myasthenia
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Otitis
- Pain
- Paresthesia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Phlebitis
- Pruritus
- Psychosis
- Renal failure syndrome
- Retinal detachment
- Seizure
- Sepsis
- Skin rash
- Thrombocytopenia
- Tinnitus
- Tremor
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary tract infection
- Urticaria
- Vasodilation
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Xeroderma
References
Zirgan [package insert]. Irvine, CA: 9, Sirion Therapeutic; 2009.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 12531
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