HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Cochrane, A. B. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Cochrane, A. B.

ADAM B. COCHRANE, PHARM.D., BCPS, is Organ Transplant Clinical Pharmacist, University of Chicago Hospitals, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Mail Code 5026, Chicago, IL 60637 (adam.cochrane{at}uchospitals.edu).

Purpose. The implications of the findings from clinical studies and pharmacokinetic analyses of the antiviral agent valganciclovir for dosing of the drug to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in solid organ transplant recipients are reviewed. Summary. Valganciclovir, an oral prodrug of ganciclovir, is as effective as oral ganciclovir for preventing CMV disease, although prophylaxis with either agent may delay CMV disease. Dosage reduction is required for both drugs in patients with renal impairment to prevent high plasma ganciclovir concentrations and toxicity. A valganciclovir dosage of 900 mg/day is required in patients with normal renal function, especially those at high risk for CMV disease, to provide adequate systemic ganciclovir exposure. Some studies suggest that a lower dosage might suffice for patients at a low risk for CMV disease. Conclusion. Valganciclovir dosing should be based on renal function to avoid toxicity. Index terms: Antivirals; Blood levels; Cytomegalovirus infections; Dosage; Drugs; Ganciclovir; Kidney failure; Metabolism; Pharmacokinetics; Toxicity; Transplantation; Valganciclovir

 

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. Trofe, L. Pote, E. Wade, E. Blumberg, and R. D Bloom Maribavir: A Novel Antiviral Agent with Activity Against Cytomegalovirus Ann. Pharmacother., October 1, 2008; 42(10): 1447 - 1457. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]