Idoxuridine

Idoxurine is a prescription medication used to slow the growth of viruses that cause certain eye infections. This medication is no longer available for human use in the United States.

Idoxuridine belongs to a group of drugs called antivirals. It works by slowing the growth of herpes viruses that cause infections.

This medication comes in solution form to be instilled into the eye. The number of doses you take each day, how often the doses are administered, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the infection for which you are using the medicine.

Common side effects of idoxuridine include irritation of the eye.

Idoxuridine may cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how idoxuridine affects you.

Idoxurine is a prescription medication used to slow the growth of herpes viruses that cause certain eye infections. This medication is no longer available for human use in the United States.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Idoxuridine may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Dendrid

• Herplex

Serious side effects have been reported with idoxuridine. See the “Idoxuridine Precautions” section.

Common side effects of idoxuridine include the following:

• eye irritation or pain
• redness
• itching
• swelling of the eye
• increased sensitivity to light and glare

This is not a complete list of idoxuridine side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you use corticosteroid eye medications or eye products that contain boric acid.

This is not a complete list of idoxuridine drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Serious side effects have been reported with idoxuridine including eye irritation and damage that may include redness and swelling, increased tearing, infections of the eyelid, and clouding of the cornea.

Idoxuridine can cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how idoxuridine affects you.

Do not take idoxuridine if you are allergic to idoxuridine or to any of its ingredients.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of idoxuridine, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Before taking idoxuridine, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to idoxuridine or to any of its ingredients
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The effects of idoxuridine during pregnancy are unknown. This medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed while taking idoxuridine.

Take idoxuridine exactly as prescribed.

This medication comes in solution form to be instilled into the eye. The number of doses you take each day, how often the doses are administered, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the infection for which you are using the medicine.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses of idoxuridine at the same time.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• how you respond to this medication

The recommended dose of idoxuridine is 1 drops into the affected eye every hour.

If you take too much idoxuridine, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If idoxuridine is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

• Store idoxuridine at room temperature. Protect idoxuridine from exposure to light.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.