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Compare Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Trifluridine (Viroptic)
    Zirgan (ganciclovir)
  • Trifluridine (Viroptic)
    Zirgan (ganciclovir)

  • Summary of Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

    Summary for Nucleoside analog antiviral
    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).

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Zirgan, also known by its generic name ganciclovir, is an antiviral eye drop 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 comes as a gel that's placed as a drop directly into the affected eye(s). The dosage is typically taken every 3 hours while awake, then 3 times per day for a week after the eye heals. The most common side effects are blurry vision and eye irritation.

  • Indications of Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

    Indications for
    •Inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye
    Indications for
    •Eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis) in people ages 2 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

    Pros and Const for Nucleoside analog antiviral
    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
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Few side effects
    •Approved for children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Need to use every 3 hours while awake until the eye heals
    •Not known whether it's safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild, temporary burning or stinging (5%)
    •Eyelid swelling (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision (60%)
    •Eye irritation (20%)

  • Warnings of Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Damage to eyes from long-term use
    •Only for herpes eye infection
    •Eye irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Only for use on the surface of the eye
    •Don't wear contact lenses while you're using the medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

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