Cidofovir
About Cidofovir
Cidofovir is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a viral infection that affects the retina of the eye caused by a virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV), especially in AIDS patients. It is a serious infection that can lead to blindness. Cidofovir is used in combination with oral probenecid.
Cidofovir contains Cidofovir, which works by inhibiting the CMV polymerase enzyme responsible for viral DNA synthesis. It works by slowing the growth of the cytomegalovirus. Thus, it helps treat Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.
Cidofovir may cause certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, hair loss, rash, weakness, fever, inflammation of the eye, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, chills, and pain at the injection site. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and gradually resolve over time. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please inform your doctor. A healthcare professional will administer Cidofovir; hence, do not self-administer.
Cidofovir should be avoided if you are allergic to it. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency and patients who cannot receive probenecid or other sulfa-containing products. This medicine should not be used for conditions other than CMV retinitis. Let your doctor know about your complete medical and medication history to rule out any interactions. Inform your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, an electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, and liver or kidney diseases before starting the use of Cidofovir. Cidofovir is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Uses of Cidofovir
Medicinal Benefits
Cidofovir treats viral infection of the eye caused by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Cidofovir consists of Cidofovir, which works by inhibiting the CMV polymerase enzyme responsible for viral DNA synthesis. It helps kill the virus and eventually stop the growth of the cytomegalovirus. Thus, helps to treat Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. This medicine is only used in treating CMV retinitis but is not used for other conditions. It does not help in treating HIV infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cidofovir
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Redness
- Pain
- Injection site reactions
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chills
- Inflammation of eye
- Hair loss
- Headache
Drug Warnings
Cidofovir should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Let your doctor know about your medical history and medication history to rule out any interactions. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency, patients who cannot receive probenecid or other sulfa-containing products, and the use of Cidofovir in conditions other than CMV retinitis. Inform your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, an electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, and liver or kidney diseases before starting Cidofovir. Cidofovir is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, inform your doctor before starting Cidofovir. Cidofovir may cause nephrotoxicity, haematological toxicity, decreased intraocular pressure, and metabolic acidosis in some patients. Hence, patients should be monitored carefully for any changes during the treatment. Cidofovir is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. Avoid driving and operating machines, as it can cause fatigue and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cidofovir may interact with antiviral drugs (Zidovudine, adefovir, tenofovir), anti-gout medicines (Probenecid), nephrotoxic drugs (foscarnet, amikacin, amphotericin B, vancomycin, gentamycin, tobramycin, pentamidine, ibuprofen, naproxen), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: No drug-food interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cidofovir may have interactions with liver disease, kidney dysfunction, blood disorders, cancer patients, and diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThere is limited information on how alcohol consumption affects Cidofovir. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeCidofovir may cause fetal toxicity and impairment of fertility in males and females. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant before receiving Cidofovir.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCidofovir is not recommended for use in nursing mothers as it can cause serious side effects to newborn infants. Hence, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeCidofovir may cause fatigue and drowsiness. Hence, do not drive or operate machinery that requires mental alertness until you are not alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before receiving Cidofovir. Your doctor will advise this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCidofovir is known to cause kidney damage. Hence, inform your doctor if you have any history of kidney problems before receiving Cidofovir. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe renal disease or renal insufficiency.
Children
unsafeThe use of Cidofovir is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Know your allergy triggers, such as pollen, dust and other factors.
- Do not rub your eyes even though some ophthalmic drugs make your eye itchy.
- Try to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Special Advise
- Cidofovir is administered only by intravenous route. Direct intraocular injection is not recommended as it can cause visual impairment.
- Frequent eye tests and regular kidney function tests will be advised to check for any changes.
- Cidofovir should not be administered in patients who are unable to take probenecid or other sulpha-containing medicines.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis: This is an eye infection caused when Cytomegalovirus (CMV) affects the retina (light-sensing nerve layer) of the eye, which can lead to blindness or eye problems. It mainly occurs in weak immune patients, such as AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Symptoms include eye pain, tearing, redness, blurred vision, blind spots and visual disturbances.
FAQs
Cidofovir works by inhibiting the CMV polymerase enzyme responsible for viral DNA synthesis.
No,Cidofovir will be administered by the trained healthcare professional. Do not self-administer it.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or a nursing mother before starting treatment with Cidofovir. Maintain caution if you have kidney, liver, or blood disorders, a weakened immune system, diabetes, or an electrolyte imbalance, as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will administer Cidofovir only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
