Drug Action
Cidofovir is a selective inhibitor of human Infection cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase which inhibits viral DNA synthesis and thereby suppresses HCMV replication.
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Drug reference
Cidofovir is a selective inhibitor of human Infection cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase which inhibits viral DNA synthesis and thereby suppresses HCMV replication.
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Cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS (in combination with probenecid) (specialist use only) ▶BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ▶Adult: Initially 5 mg/kg once weekly for 2 weeks, then maintenance 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks, maintenance treatment to be started 2 weeks after completion of induction treatment
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Concomitant administration with potentially nephrotoxic drugs—discontinue potentially nephrotoxic drugs at least 7 days before starting cidofovir. patients unable to receive probenecid
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Diabetes mellitus (increased risk of ocular hypotony). ensure concomitant use of probenecid and Sodium Chloride 0.9% CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION ▶Probenecid and Sodium Chloride 0.9% Manufacturer advises oral probenecid and intravenous Sodium Chloride 0.9% must be administered with each cidofovir dose to prevent nephrotoxicity (consult cidofovir product literature for information on probenecid dosing and recommendations on intravenous hydration); see Prescribing and dispensing information for details on obtaining probenecid.
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Probenecid is available from ‘special-order’ manufacturers or specialist importing companies—in case of difficulties, the cidofovir manufacturer (Tillomed) advises contacting their local representative. See probenecid product literature for prescribing information for probenecid, including information on interactions. l HANDLING AND STORAGE Caution in handling Manufacturer advises cidofovir should be considered a potential carcinogen and must be handled with caution (consult product literature); if contact with skin or mucous membranes occurs, wash thoroughly with water.
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→Appendix 1: cidofovir
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▶Common or very common Alopecia. asthenia. chills. diarrhoea. dyspnoea. eye inflammation. fever. headache. nausea. neutropenia. ocular hypotony. proteinuria. rash. renal failure. vomiting ▶Uncommon Fanconi syndrome acquired ▶Frequency not known Hearing impairment. nephrotoxicity . pancreatitis SIDE-EFFECTS, FURTHER INFORMATION Manufacturer advises intravenous sodium chloride 0.9% prehydration and concomitant oral probenecid for prevention of nephrotoxicity; consider treatment interruption, or discontinuation if changes in renal function occur— consult product literature.
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Manufacturer advises ensure effective contraception during and after treatment in women; men should be advised to use barrier contraception during and for 3 months after treatment. Cidofovir may cause impaired fertility in males—reduced testes weight and hypospermia observed in animal studies.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—toxicity in animal studies.
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Manufacturer advises avoid (no information available).
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Manufacturer advises caution (no information available).
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Manufacturer advises avoid if creatinine clearance is less than or equal to 55 mL/minute or if proteinuria is greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL.
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▶Manufacturer advises monitor serum creatinine, urine protein levels, and white blood cell count before each cidofovir dose. ▶Manufacturer advises regular eye examinations (increased risk of iritis, ocular hypotony, and uveitis).
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Manufacturer advises for intravenous infusion, dilute with 100 mL Sodium Chloride 0.9% and mix thoroughly; give at a constant rate over 1 hour via an infusion pump.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Solution for infusion ELECTROLYTES: May contain Sodium A ▶Cidofovir (non-proprietary) Cidofovir 75 mg per 1 ml Cidofovir 375mg/5ml concentrate for solution for infusion vials | 1 vial P s
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Initially 5 mg/kg once weekly for 2 weeks, then
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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