Which drug is commonly used for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

Ganciclovir is the drug commonly used for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. It is an antiviral medication specifically designed to inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including CMV, which is a member of the herpesvirus family. Ganciclovir works by targeting the viral DNA polymerase, thus preventing the virus from replicating and spreading within the body.

The selection of ganciclovir for CMV treatment is particularly important in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or recipients of organ transplants, as these individuals are at higher risk for severe CMV disease.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not have efficacy against CMV. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used primarily for pain relief and to reduce inflammation. Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and amoxicillin is also an antibiotic effective against a range of bacterial infections. Neither of these classes of drugs has any activity against viral infections like CMV. Thus, ganciclovir is the appropriate choice for this specific viral condition.