Which antiviral drug is specifically indicated for treating cytomegalovirus?

Ganciclovir is specifically indicated for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, such as those with AIDS or organ transplant recipients. It is an antiviral medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as antiviral nucleoside analogs. Ganciclovir works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, thereby preventing the replication of CMV.

While acyclovir is effective against herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, it is not effective against CMV. Lamivudine is primarily used to treat HIV and hepatitis B, lacking efficacy against CMV. Ribavirin is used mainly for treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and hepatitis C but does not target CMV. Therefore, ganciclovir stands out as the preferred treatment option specifically for cytomegalovirus infections.