Drug information

Audio
Download files:
ganciclovir-ophthalmic.mp3
Pronounce:
Ganciclovir (Ophthalmic)
Other Names
Zirgan, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel
Drug Class
Antiviral (Cytomegalovirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor)

What is ganciclovir (ophthalmic)? What is ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

What is ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

Ganciclovir (ophthalmic) is an antiviral prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of a type of herpes simplex virus (HSV) eye (ophthalmic) infection called HSV keratitis.

HSV eye infections can be opportunistic infections (OIs) of HIV. An OI is an infection that occurs more frequently or is more severe in people with weakened immune systems—such as people with HIV—than in people with healthy immune systems. To learn more about OIs, read the HIVinfo What is an Opportunistic Infection? fact sheet.

How is ganciclovir (ophthalmic) used in people with HIV? How is ganciclovir (ophthalmic) used in people with HIV?

How is ganciclovir (ophthalmic) used in people with HIV?

The Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents With HIV and/or the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Children With and Exposed to HIV include recommendations on the use of ganciclovir (ophthalmic) in people with HIV to treat certain types of HSV eye infections.

The recommended uses may not always be consistent with FDA-approved uses of ganciclovir (ophthalmic). See the Adult and Pediatric Opportunistic Infection Guidelines for complete information on recommended uses of ganciclovir (ophthalmic) in adults and children with HIV. Ganciclovir (ophthalmic) may have other recommended uses not listed above.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ganciclovir (ophthalmic)? What should I tell my health care provider before using ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

What should I tell my health care provider before using ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

Before using ganciclovir (ophthalmic), tell your health care provider:

  • If you are allergic to ganciclovir (ophthalmic) or any other medicines.
  • About any medical conditions you have or have had.
  • If you wear contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses if you have signs or symptoms of HSV keratitis infection or during the course of treatment with ganciclovir (ophthalmic).
  • About anything that may affect your ability to use ganciclovir (ophthalmic), such as difficulty applying a gel to the eye(s) or trouble with remembering a scheduled dose.
  • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of using ganciclovir (ophthalmic) during pregnancy.
  • If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. For mothers with HIV in the United States, the Guideline recommends speaking with your health care provider to discuss options for feeding your baby. Mothers with suppressed viral load have a less than 1% chance of transmitting HIV to their baby via their own milk. Although most medicines are safe to use while breastfeeding, some medicines should be avoided. Always let your health care provider know about all the medicines and supplements you are using before you start breastfeeding.
  • About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Ganciclovir (ophthalmic) may affect the way other medicines or products work, and other medicines or products may affect how ganciclovir (ophthalmic) works. Ask your health care provider if there are interactions between ganciclovir (ophthalmic) and the other medicines you take.

How should I use ganciclovir (ophthalmic)? How should I use ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

How should I use ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

Use ganciclovir (ophthalmic) according to your health care provider’s instructions. Your health care provider will tell you how much ganciclovir (ophthalmic) to use and when to use it. Before you start ganciclovir (ophthalmic) and each time you get a refill, read any printed information that comes with your medicine.

What side effects can ganciclovir (ophthalmic) cause? What side effects can ganciclovir (ophthalmic) cause?

What side effects can ganciclovir (ophthalmic) cause?

Ganciclovir (ophthalmic) may cause side effects that can be mild or serious. To learn about possible side effects of ganciclovir (ophthalmic), see the FDA drug label or talk to your health care provider or pharmacist. Tell your health care professional if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some side effects.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or online.

How should ganciclovir (ophthalmic) be stored? How should ganciclovir (ophthalmic) be stored?

How should ganciclovir (ophthalmic) be stored?

  • Store ganciclovir (ophthalmic) gel between 59°F and 77°F (15°C and 25°C). Do not freeze.
  • Do not use ganciclovir (ophthalmic) if the original seal over the container opening is broken or missing.
  • Throw away ganciclovir (ophthalmic) that is no longer needed or expired (out of date). Follow FDA guidelines on how to safely dispose of unused medicine.
  • Keep ganciclovir (ophthalmic) and all medicines out of reach of children.

Where can I find more information about ganciclovir (ophthalmic)? Where can I find more information about ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

Where can I find more information about ganciclovir (ophthalmic)?

Last Reviewed: August 14, 2025