ZIRGAN ganciclovir 1.5 mg/g Gel
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Cytomegalovirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Ganciclovir ophthalmic is used to treat herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers; eye ulcers caused by a herpes simplex virus infection). Ganciclovir is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the eye.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Zirgan treats a specific type of eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus — not the kind of pink eye you might get from a cold or bacteria. The herpes virus can infect the...
- What exactly is Zirgan treating — is this just a regular eye infection?
- Yes, please keep going. The first phase of treatment continues until your corneal ulcer is fully healed, and then you still take Zirgan three times a day for 7 more days after that...
- I'm feeling much better after a few days — do I really need to finish the full course?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Ganciclovir — tap one for details:
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII F5UM2KM3W7
Benzalkonium chloride is a chemical compound that works as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in medications. It prevents bacterial and fungal growth in liquid formulations to keep the product safe during storage and use.
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UNII HHT01ZNK31
Carbomer Homopolymer Type B is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid. It absorbs water and forms a gel, so it's used in medicines as a thickener, suspending agent, and to help create a smooth texture in creams, gels, and lotions.
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UNII 3OWL53L36A
A natural sugar alcohol derived from seaweed or synthesized in the lab. It's used as a filler to add bulk, a sweetener in sugar-free formulas, and a disintegrant to help tablets break apart in the stomach.
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UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
5 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $91.257 | $456.29 / 5 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $93.38 | $466.89 / 5 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $91.52 | $457.59 / 5 g |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zirgan 1.5 mg/gthis 24208-0535-35 | Bausch | 1 tube | $91.257 | — | Availability likely | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24208-0535-15 | 1 TUBE, WITH APPLICATOR in 1 CARTON (24208-535-15) / 1.5 g in 1 TUBE, WITH APPLICATOR | — | — | 2010-04-30 | Active |
| 24208-0535-35 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE, WITH APPLICATOR in 1 CARTON (24208-535-35) / 5 g in 1 TUBE, WITH APPLICATOR | $91.26 / g | $456.29 | 2010-04-30 | Active |
In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 100% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 24208-0535-35?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of ZIRGAN ganciclovir 1.5 mg/g Gel?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZIRGAN is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ZIRGAN is a nucleoside analog antiviral indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days. Apply 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days. ( 2 )
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Ophthalmic gel: 0.15% ganciclovir. Ophthalmic gel: 0.15% ganciclovir. ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only. ( 5.1 ) Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN. ( 5.2 )
5.1Topical Ophthalmic Use Only ZIRGAN is indicated for topical ophthalmic use only.
5.2Avoidance of Contact Lenses Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with ZIRGAN.
5.3Risk of Contamination Do not allow the tip of the container to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the ointment. If pain develops, or if redness, itching, or inflammation becomes aggravated, the patient should be advised to consult a physician.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). Most common adverse reactions were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data on use of ZIRGAN or ganciclovir during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risk. Intravenous administration of ganciclovir to pregnant mice or rabbits during organogenesis or during the pre/postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant doses ( see Data ). The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and the risk of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data Animal Data Daily intravenous doses of ganciclovir were administered to pregnant mice [up to 108 mg/kg/day, approximately 1400 times the maximum recommended human ocular dose (RHOD) of 0.375 mg] and rabbits [up to 60 mg/kg/day, approximately 2400 times the maximum RHOD], and also to female mice [up to 90 mg/kg, approximately 1174 times the maximum RHOD] prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Additional effects observed in rabbits included fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity.
Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly and brachygnathia. A maternal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed at 36 mg/kg/day (approximately 470 times higher than the maximum RHOD, based on body surface area) in mice and at 6 mg/kg/day (approximately 240 times higher than the maximum RHOD, based on body surface area) in rabbits. In pre/postnatal development studies in mice, there were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality which included fetal effects of hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach.
A maternal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed at 20 mg/kg/day (approximately 261 times higher than the maximum RHOD, based on body surface area).
8.2Lactation Risk Summary No data are available regarding the presence of ganciclovir in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. It is not known whether topical ophthalmic ganciclovir administration could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Animal data indicate that ganciclovir is excreted in the milk of lactating rats.
Caution should be exercised when ZIRGAN is administered to nursing mothers.
8.3Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility It is not known whether topical ophthalmic ganciclovir administration could result in sufficient absorption to impair fertility in humans. Animal data indicate decreased fertility in female mice following intravenous doses at 90 mg/kg/day, approximately 1174 times the maximum RHOD (based on body surface area), and decreased fertility and hypospermatogenesis in male mice and dogs following intravenous doses at 10 mg/kg/day for mice, approximately 130 times the maximum RHOD (based on body surface area), and 3.6 mg/kg/day for dogs, approximately 240 times the maximum RHOD (based on body surface area).
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ZIRGAN for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) have been established in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. Use of ZIRGAN for this indication is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies. The safety and effectiveness of ZIRGAN have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years.
8.5Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data on use of ZIRGAN or ganciclovir during pregnancy to inform any drug-associated risk. Intravenous administration of ganciclovir to pregnant mice or rabbits during organogenesis or during the pre/postnatal period did not produce adverse embryofetal or offspring effects at clinically relevant doses ( see Data ). The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and the risk of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data Animal Data Daily intravenous doses of ganciclovir were administered to pregnant mice [up to 108 mg/kg/day, approximately 1400 times the maximum recommended human ocular dose (RHOD) of 0.375 mg] and rabbits [up to 60 mg/kg/day, approximately 2400 times the maximum RHOD], and also to female mice [up to 90 mg/kg, approximately 1174 times the maximum RHOD] prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Additional effects observed in rabbits included fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity.
Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly and brachygnathia. A maternal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed at 36 mg/kg/day (approximately 470 times higher than the maximum RHOD, based on body surface area) in mice and at 6 mg/kg/day (approximately 240 times higher than the maximum RHOD, based on body surface area) in rabbits. In pre/postnatal development studies in mice, there were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality which included fetal effects of hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach.
A maternal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was observed at 20 mg/kg/day (approximately 261 times higher than the maximum RHOD, based on body surface area).
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ZIRGAN for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) have been established in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. Use of ZIRGAN for this indication is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies. The safety and effectiveness of ZIRGAN have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action ZIRGAN is an antiviral drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ] .
12.3Pharmacokinetics The estimated maximum daily dose of ganciclovir administered as 1 drop, 5 times per day is 0.375 mg. Compared to maintenance doses of systemically administered ganciclovir of 900 mg (oral valganciclovir) and 5 mg/kg (IV ganciclovir), the ophthalmically administered daily dose is approximately 0.04% and 0.1% of the oral dose and IV doses, respectively, thus minimal systemic exposure is expected.
12.4Microbiology Mechanism of Action ZIRGAN contains ganciclovir, a guanosine derivative that upon phosphorylation inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Ganciclovir is transformed by viral and cellular thymidine kinases (TK) to ganciclovir triphosphate, which works as an antiviral agent by inhibiting the synthesis of viral DNA in 2 ways: competitive inhibition of viral DNA-polymerase and direct incorporation into viral primer strand DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination and prevention of replication.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action ZIRGAN is an antiviral drug [ see Microbiology (12.4) ] .
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% is supplied as 5 grams of a sterile, preserved, clear, colorless, topical ophthalmic gel containing 0.15% of ganciclovir in a polycoated aluminum tube with a white polyethylene tip and cap and protective band (NDC 24208-535-35). Storage Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Do not freeze.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION ZIRGAN (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15% contains ganciclovir, a nucleoside analog antiviral. ZIRGAN is a sterile, preserved, clear, colorless, ophthalmic gel for topical ophthalmic use. The chemical name is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl]guanine (CAS number 82410-32-0).
Ganciclovir is represented by the following structural formula: Ganciclovir has a molecular weight of 255.23, and the empirical formula is C 9 H 13 N 5 O 4 . Each gram of gel contains: ACTIVE: ganciclovir 1.5 mg (0.15%). INACTIVES: carbomer homopolymer, water for injection, sodium hydroxide (to adjust the pH to 7.2-7.6), mannitol.
PRESERVATIVE: benzalkonium chloride 0.075 mg (0.0075%). ChemStructure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION When to Consult a Physician Advise patients to consult a physician if pain develops, or if redness, itching, or inflammation becomes aggravated. Risk of Contamination ZIRGAN is sterile when packaged. Advise patients to not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, as this may contaminate the gel.
Avoidance of Contact Lenses Advise patients to not wear contact lenses when using ZIRGAN. Distributed by: Bausch & Lomb Americas Inc. Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA Manufactured by : Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Tampa, FL 33637 USA Zirgan is a trademark of Laboratoires Théa Corporation used under license. © 2026 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates 9224806 (Folded) 9224706 (Flat)