Formulary

11.3.3 Antivirals

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only
Ganciclovir
  • Eye gel 0.15% w/w (£19.99 = 5g)

Indications

  • Acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic and geographic ulcers)

Dose

  • Instil one drop of gel in the eye to be treated, 5 times a day until complete corneal re-epithelialisation. Then 3 instillations a day for 7 days after healing. Treatment does not usually exceed 21 days.

Notes

  1. Manufacturer advises women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment; men should be advised to use barrier contraception during and for at least 90 days after treatment
    1. See also resources for: contraception for drugs with teratogenic potential, and prescribing in pregnancy and lactation
  2. Manufacturer advises that use in children under 18 years is not recommended since no specific studies have been conducted.