No

Antiviral Agent, Ophthalmic

Treatment of acute keratoconjunctivitis and epithelial keratitis due to herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2; superficial keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus

C

Hypersensitivity to vidarabine or any component; sterile trophic ulcers

Not effective against RNA virus, adenoviral ocular infections, bacterial fungal or chlamydial infections of the cornea, or trophic ulcers; temporary visual haze may be produced; neoplasia has occurred with I.M. vidarabine-treated animals; although in vitro studies have been inconclusive, they have shown mutagenesis

Percentage unknown: Burning eyes, lacrimation, keratitis, photophobia, foreign body sensation, uveitis

No untoward effects anticipated with ingestion

Allopurinol (may increase vidarabine levels)

Inhibits viral DNA synthesis by blocking DNA polymerase

Children and Adults: Ophthalmic: Keratoconjunctivitis: Instill 1/2 " of ointment in lower conjunctival sac 5 times/day every 3 hours while awake until complete re-epithelialization has occurred, then twice daily for an additional 7 days

Administer by I.V. infusion over 12 to 24 hours; vidarabine must be filtered with a 0.45 micron or smaller pore size inline filter; administer at a final concentration not to exceed 0.45 mg/mL to prevent precipitation. However, concentrations up to 0.7 mg/mL have been administered to fluid-restricted patients.

None reported

None reported

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

For ophthalmic use only. Store in refrigerator. Apply prescribed amount as often as directed. Wash hands before using and do not let tip of applicator touch eye or contaminate tip of applicator. Tilt head back and look upward. Gently pull down lower lid and put drop(s) in inner corner of eye. Close eye and roll eyeball in all directions. Do not blink for 1/2 minute. Apply gentle pressure to inner corner of eye for 30 seconds. Wipe away excess from skin around eye. Do not use any other eye preparation for at least 10 minutes. Do not touch tip of applicator to eye or contaminate tip of applicator. Do not share medication with anyone else. May cause sensitivity to bright light (dark glasses may help); temporary stinging or blurred vision may occur. Inform prescriber if you experience eye pain, redness, burning, watering, dryness, double vision, puffiness around eye, vision disturbances, or other adverse eye response; worsening of condition or lack of improvement within 7-14 days. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Ointment, ophthalmic, as monohydrate: 3% [30 mg/mL = 28 mg/mL base] (3.5 g)

"Drugs for Non-HIV Viral Infections," Med Lett Drugs Ther, 1994, 36(919):27.

Whitley R, Arvin A, Prober C, et al, "A Controlled Trial Comparing Vidarabine With Acyclovir in Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection. Infectious Diseases Collaborative Antiviral Study Group," N Engl J Med, 1991, 324(7):444-9.