Acyclic nucleoside analog phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase then cellular kinases to active triphosphate, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and incorporates into viral DNA causing chain termination. More potent than acyclovir against herpesvirus.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog)
Storage
Store at room temperature; discard 28 days after opening
Dosing
Canine ocular herpesvirus is uncommon
Excellent for FHV-1 keratitis
Frequency
5x/day then taper
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Corneal lesion healing (dendritic ulcer resolution)Fluorescein stainingSigns of secondary infection
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Ganciclovir Ophthalmic?
Ganciclovir Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic antiviral (nucleoside analog) used in pets. Acyclic nucleoside analog phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase then cellular kinases to active triphosphate, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and incorporates into viral DNA causing chain termination. More potent than acyclovir against herpesvirus.
›What is Ganciclovir Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Ganciclovir Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Canine ocular herpesvirus is uncommon; Excellent for FHV-1 keratitis.
›What is the Ganciclovir Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ganciclovir Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Canine ocular herpesvirus is uncommon: undefined undefined Ophthalmic N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ganciclovir Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Ganciclovir Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Excellent for FHV-1 keratitis: undefined undefined Ophthalmic 5x/day then taper. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Ganciclovir Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Ganciclovir Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database