Trifluridine vs. Zirgan for Herpes: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Trifluridine

(Viroptic)

Zirgan

(ganciclovir)

Summary for Trifluridine

Prescription only

Trifluridine (Viroptic) is an antiviral eye drop that treats inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye. It's FDA approved for people 6 years and older. When you first start, the eye drops need to be used frequently, every 2 hours while you're awake, with a maximum of 9 drops per day. This medication comes in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include temporary burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops to your eye(s).

Indications for Trifluridine

Inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye

Pros and Cons for Trifluridine

Pros

Works well to treat a herpes eye infection by helping the eye heal
Most side effects are mild and temporary
Proven safe and effective in children as young as 6 years old

Cons

Must be used multiple times a day
Can't be used long-term since doing so can cause eye injury
Doesn't treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or other viruses

Common Side Effects for Trifluridine

Mild, temporary burning or stinging (5%)
Eyelid swelling (3%)

Warnings for Trifluridine

Damage to eyes from long-term use
Only for herpes eye infection
Eye irritation

Summary for Zirgan

Prescription only

Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an antiviral eye gel medication. It's used to treat herpetic keratitis or dendritic ulcer, which is an eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (HSV). Zirgan (ganciclovir) is approved for adults and children 2 years and older. It's placed in the affected eye(s) as a drop. First, it's used about every 3 hours while awake until the eye heals. Then, it's used 3 times per day for another week. The most common side effects are blurry vision and eye irritation.

Indications for Zirgan

Eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis) in people ages 2 years and older

Pros and Cons for Zirgan

Pros

Approved for both adults and children as young as 2 years old
Generally well tolerated

Cons

Need to use very often (every 3 hours) while awake until the eye heals
Can cause blurry vision right after using

Common Side Effects for Zirgan

Blurry vision (60%)
Eye irritation (20%)

Warnings for Zirgan

For use in the eye only
Avoid wearing contact lenses

Prices with our coupons for Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

Trifluridine1 eye dropper / 7.5ml of 1%

$61.64$339.09

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Zirgan1 bottle / 5g of 0.15%

$463.01$591.71

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Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

Trifluridine

Zirgan

Summary for Trifluridine

Indications for Trifluridine

Pros and Cons for Trifluridine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trifluridine

Warnings for Trifluridine

Summary for Zirgan

Indications for Zirgan

Pros and Cons for Zirgan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Zirgan

Warnings for Zirgan

Prices with our coupons for Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

Compare other Herpes drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Trifluridine

Zirgan

Summary for Trifluridine

Indications for Trifluridine

Pros and Cons for Trifluridine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trifluridine

Warnings for Trifluridine

Summary for Zirgan

Indications for Zirgan

Pros and Cons for Zirgan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Zirgan

Warnings for Zirgan