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Cytovene and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Cytovene (ganciclovir).

Moderate

Ganciclovir Food

Moderate Food Interaction

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food delays but enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of ganciclovir capsules, possibly due to prolongation of gastrointestinal transit time. In 20 HIV- and CMV-seropositive subjects, ganciclovir dosing (1000 mg every 8 hours) following a standardized high-fat breakfast increased the mean steady-state peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of ganciclovir by an average of 15% and 22%, respectively, compared to dosing after an overnight fast. The time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) was prolonged from 1.8 to 3 hours. In another study of 15 such patients, administration of ganciclovir (2000 mg) within 30 minutes following a high-fat breakfast increased the Cmax and AUC an average of 111% and 114%, respectively, compared to administration in the fasting state (i.e. at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or snack). Over the total day of dosing (2000 mg orally three times a day), there was a mean increase of 48% and 97% in Cmax and AUC, respectively, and a 36% decrease in half-life during administration with meals.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, oral ganciclovir should be administered with or immediately after a meal.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Cytovene (ganciclovir)." Genentech
  2. Lavelle J, Follansbee S, Trapnell CB, Buhles WC, Griffy KG, Jung D, Dorr A, Conner J (1996) "Effect of food on the relative bioavailability of oral ganciclovir." J Clin Pharmacol, 36, p. 238-41
  3. Jung D, Griffy K, Dorr A (1999) "Effect of food on high-dose oral ganciclovir disposition in HIV-positive subjects." J Clin Pharmacol, 39, p. 161-5

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Cytovene drug interactions

There are 245 drug interactions with Cytovene (ganciclovir).

Cytovene disease interactions

There are 3 disease interactions with Cytovene (ganciclovir) which include:

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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