Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: GANCICLOVIR versus SYMADINE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: GANCICLOVIR versus SYMADINE.
GANCICLOVIR vs SYMADINE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Ganciclovir is a synthetic guanine nucleoside analog that inhibits viral DNA synthesis by competitively inhibiting viral DNA polymerase and by incorporating into viral DNA, causing chain termination. It requires initial phosphorylation by viral thymidine kinase (CMV) or protein kinase (HSV).
SYMADINE (amantadine) is a tricyclic amine that inhibits influenza A virus replication by blocking the viral M2 ion channel, which prevents uncoating of viral RNA. It also increases dopamine release and inhibits dopamine reuptake in the CNS, providing antiparkinsonian effects.
Induction: 5 mg/kg IV every 12 hours for 14-21 days. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg IV every 24 hours. Oral: 1000 mg three times daily with food.
100 mg orally every 12 hours; immediate-release formulation.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateGanciclovir + Probenecid
"The serum concentration of Probenecid can be increased when it is combined with Ganciclovir."
Clinical Note
moderateValganciclovir + Probenecid
"The serum concentration of Probenecid can be increased when it is combined with Valganciclovir."
Clinical Note
moderateGanciclovir + Mycophenolic acid
"The serum concentration of Mycophenolic acid can be increased when it is combined with Ganciclovir."
Clinical Note
moderateValganciclovir + Mycophenolic acid
Terminal half-life: 2.5-5.0 hours in normal renal function; prolonged to 10-30 hours in renal impairment; requires dose adjustment for CrCl <70 mL/min
The terminal elimination half-life is approximately 24 hours in patients with normal renal function. In patients with renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min), the half-life is significantly prolonged, requiring dose adjustment. The long half-life allows for once-daily dosing.
Renal excretion: >90% unchanged; biliary/fecal: minimal (<5%)
Renal elimination of unchanged drug accounts for approximately 90% of the administered dose. Biliary/fecal excretion is minimal (<5%).
Category D/X
Category C
Antiviral
Antiviral and Antiparkinsonian
"The serum concentration of Mycophenolic acid can be increased when it is combined with Valganciclovir."