Valganciclovir hydrochloride is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. It is a prodrug of ganciclovir, which means it is converted into its active form, ganciclovir, in the body. Valganciclovir exerts its antiviral effects by inhibiting the replication of viral DNA.
Mechanism of Action:
Conversion to Active Form: After oral administration, valganciclovir is rapidly converted to ganciclovir by intestinal and hepatic esterases.
Inhibition of Viral DNA Polymerase: Ganciclovir triphosphate is formed intracellularly and competes with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for incorporation into viral DNA by viral DNA polymerase, leading to chain termination.
Indications:
CMV Retinitis: Used in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
CMV Prophylaxis: Used to prevent CMV disease in high-risk solid organ transplant recipients.
