Zirgan / Virgan (generic name: ganciclovir) is an eye gel used to treat an infection in the eye called acute herpetic keratitis.  Ganciclovir is one of the anti-virals used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Acute herpetic keratitis is typically caused by an infection by a type I HSV,  the most common form of the virus. It primarily infects the lower face, causing cold sores (fever blisters.) Type II HSV is the sexually transmitted form of herpes, infecting the genitals. Type I is by far the most frequent cause of eye infections, which can be transferred to the eye by touching an active lesion and then touching the eye. Transfer of Type II to the eye is less frequent. Ganciclovir can be prescribed for adults aged 18 years and over.

Dosage

The gel must be used as prescribed. The usual dose is one drop of gel in each infected eye five times per day until it has healed and then three times per day for seven days. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If the symptoms have not cleared up within three weeks, refer to a doctor. Follow the instructions for administering a dose on the Product leaflet.

Storage

Zirgan gel must be used within 28 days of opening the tube for the first dose. Do not use the gel after the expiry date printed on the box. Please read our advice on storing and disposing of medicine safely.

Q&A

Does HSV infection go away on its own?

No. Once the herpes virus is in a person’s body, it is there for life, although it is not always active. If a person has ever had an attack of herpetic keratitis, it is a signal that HSV infected them at some point. It is possible that they did not have any symptoms when they were infected.

How long does acute herpetic keratitis last?

The idea is to bring the infection under control within 24 to 48 hours. Otherwise, the virus can penetrate deep into the cornea and cause irreparable damage, in some cases even leading to blindness. Under treatment, the swelling phase that involves the outer layer of the eye (surface epithelium) may take several days to subside. In a very severe infection, it can even take several weeks of treatment. If there is any scarring of the cornea, it may take months to become evident.

What are the symptoms of HSV eye infection?

The main symptoms of a herpes simplex virus eye infection are eye pain, red and swollen eyelids, blisters or a rash on the eyelid or on the skin around the eyes, constant tear flow, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or other changes to your eyesight.