CIDOFOVIR
Background and Date of Approval
Cidofovir received approval from the U.S. FDA in June 1996 for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS.
Uses
Cidofovir is used to treat CMV retinitis, an eye infection that affects AIDS patients. Cytomegalovirus causes an eye infection known as CMV retinitis. The virus harms the retina of the eye, which could eventually result in blindness and vision loss.
How is it administered?
The recommended dose of Cidofovir is 5 mg/kg body weight administered once weekly for two consecutive weeks. It will be given intravenously by a qualified healthcare professional at a constant rate for over 1 hour. Before taking Cidofovir, you must consume food, and your doctor may advise you to drink plenty of fluids.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Cidofovir are nausea, vomiting, headache, hair loss, weakness, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, inflammation of the eye, and reduced pressure in the eyes. Report to your doctor immediately if you have kidney failure or are on hemodialysis.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Cidofovir and its ingredients. If you get pain, redness, itching of the eye, or changes in your vision, tell your doctor promptly. Cidofovir should be used with caution if you have diabetes mellitus because there may be an increased risk of developing low eye pressure (ocular hypotony). You will need to have your eyes and blood counts tested regularly.
Precautions
Discuss the contraceptive options with your doctor before starting this treatment if there is a possibility that you may become pregnant. Women should use reliable birth control during treatment and at least six months after the last dose. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the medicine as it is unknown if Cidofovir passes into the breastmilk.
Word of Advice
Maintain adequate fluid intake with Cidofovir to help reduce the risk of dehydration and kidney damage. Males should use barrier contraception (condom) during Cidofovir treatment and for three months after completion. Cidofovir contains sodium; patients on sodium-restricted diets should consult their doctor before use.
References
Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1600-1601. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 798-802. Tillomed Laboratories Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on February 2022] [ Accessed on 20th August 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11151.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the uses of Cidofovir?
Cidofovir is used to treat CMV retinitis, an eye infection that affects AIDS patients. Cytomegalovirus causes an eye infection known as CMV retinitis (CMV).
What are the common side effects of Cidofovir?
Nausea, vomiting, headache, hair loss, weakness, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, inflammation of the eye, and reduced pressure in the eyes are the common side effects of Cidofovir.
What is the mechanism of action of Cidofovir?
Cidofovir inhibits the replication of many DNA viruses, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes viruses. Cidofovir inhibits viral DNA polymerase, which is responsible for producing new viral RNA and DNA in infected cells. It is taken up intracellularly by active transport or fluid-phase endocytosis to exert its antiviral actions.
What is the brand name of Cidofovir?
Vistide is the brand name of Cidofovir, a topical or injectable antiviral medication used for CMV retinitis (a retina infection of the eye) in people with AIDS.
Is Cidofovir safe for pregnancy?
No, Cidofovir is not safe during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. Women should use a reliable method of birth control during treatment and at least six months after the last dose.
Can a diabetic patient take Cidofovir?
Cidofovir should be used cautiously in diabetic patients due to the potential increased risk of developing low pressure in the eye (ocular hypotony).
What is Cidofovir's class?
Cidofovir belongs to a class of medications called antivirals.
What are the available Cidofovir doses?
The recommended dose of Cidofovir is 5 mg/kg body weight administered once weekly for two consecutive weeks. It will be given intravenously by a qualified healthcare professional at a constant rate for over 1 hour.