​Pharmacology - Ganciclovir

​Pharmacology - Ganciclovir 
Ganciclovir works by blocking the production of viral nucleic acids.

Mode of Action 
Kinases in both the virus and the host cell convert it to ganciclovir triphosphate, which inhibits viral DNA replication by competing with guanosine triphosphate for inclusion into their respective genomes. Intravenous administration results in a 4-hour half-life, with 18–20 hours of persistence in host cells.

​Clinical Use 
Cytomegalovirus infection (often seen in AIDS and immunocompromised people) is a clinical use.

Potential Side Effects
 Because it causes a decrease in bone marrow, it is reserved for the most serious infections.