What is Zirgan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Zirgan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zirgan

Generic Names:

  • Zirgan

Uses:

  • Treats eye infection (swelling of the front part of the eye) caused by herpes simplex virus. This medicine is an antiviral.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiviral

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Zirgan used for?

What form(s) does Zirgan come in

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Drop

What are common Zirgan doses?

  • Tube 5GM of 0.15%

Common Zirgan prescriptions

  • Zirgan
    5gm of 0.15% tube of gel

How to take Zirgan

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Do not touch the eye dropper tip to any surface. This will help keep the medicine as germ-free as possible.

  • Do not wear contact lenses until your infection is gone.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Do not touch the eye dropper tip to any surface. This will help keep the medicine as germ-free as possible.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Do not wear contact lenses until your infection is gone.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zirgan

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Zirgan contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ganciclovir.

Zirgan warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This will prevent more eye irritation.

  • Your eye doctor will want to examine your eye(s) at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Redness of the white part of eyes or inside of eyelids.

Zirgan interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This will prevent more eye irritation.

  • Your eye doctor will want to examine your eye(s) at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Zirgan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Redness of the white part of eyes or inside of eyelids.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Red, sore eyes.

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