Home Drug Guide Maribavir

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Maribavir

Brand Names Livtencity

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral

Pharmacological: Viral DNA polymerase inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adult and pediatric transplant patients at risk for CMV disease

Mechanism of Action

Maribavir inhibits the CMV viral kinase UL97, preventing viral replication and maturation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 400 mg orally twice daily

Pediatric: Dosing varies based on weight and condition, consultation with specialist recommended

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment required but monitor for adverse effects

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose in severe renal impairment; consult specific guidelines

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment; use with caution and monitor liver function

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally

Distribution: Wide distribution, including tissues

Metabolism: Primarily hepatic, involving CYP enzymes

Excretion: Primarily fecal, minor renal excretion

Half Life: Approximately 6 hours

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to maribavir or excipients

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, monitor for adverse reactions, caution in pregnancy and lactation

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Altered taste (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)
  • Fatigue (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hematologic toxicities (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia) (Uncommon)
  • Liver function abnormalities (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers may alter maribavir levels

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions reported

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; monitor for interactions with herbal supplements

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of CMV infection, adverse effects, and hepatic/renal function

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection
  • Impaired liver function

Implementation: Administer with or without food, as prescribed; monitor laboratory values regularly

Evaluation: Assess for resolution of CMV infection, monitor for adverse effects, and adjust therapy accordingly

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed
  • Report signs of adverse effects (e.g., unusual bleeding, severe fatigue)
  • Maintain follow-up appointments for lab testing
  • Inform healthcare provider of all medications and supplements

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently designated

Genetic Factors: None specified

Lab Test Interference: May affect certain laboratory tests; consult lab guidelines

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or other adverse effects

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote; contact poison control or seek emergency care

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light

Stability: Stable for specified period as per manufacturer instructions

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.