Anti-virals

Topical ocular anti-viral drugs:-

Zovirax

Zovirax

Famvir , Valtrex , Zoviraz

Famvir®

Famciclovir tab
Category:- POM
Availability:- FAMVIR® tab, 125 or 250 mg.
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (hypersensitivity)
Special precaution/s:- renal impairment, esp. with concurrent probenicid use; not recommended for pediatric use; limit or avoid use in pregnancy and lactation
Adverse drug reaction/s:- NEW DRUG - report ADR's to CSM.
Comment/s:- oral medicine for shingles infections, esp. if recurrent and severe.

Idoxene®

idoxuridine 0.5% ung.
Preservatives:-
Category :- POM
Past Availability:- IDOXENE® ung. Sales discontinued 8/1995, but still could be used from a hospital pharmacy.
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Contraindication/s:-
Drug interaction/s:-
Special precaution/s:-
Adverse drug reaction/s:-
Comment/s:-

Valtrex®

valaciclovir tab.
Category:- POM
Availability:- VALTREX® tab, 1500 mg.
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (hypersensitivity)
Special precaution/s:- renal impairment; not recommended for pediatric use; limit or avoid use in pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse drug reaction/s:- NEW DRUG - report ADR's to CSM.
Comment/s:- supplementary oral medicine for shingles or HSV infections, esp. if recurrent and severe.

Zovirax® eye ointment

aciclovir 3% ung.
Preservatives:- none listed.
Category :- POM
Availability:- ZOVIRAX 3.0% ung.
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (hypersensitivity).
Special precaution/s:-
Adverse drug reaction/s:- Superficial Punctate Keratitis.
Comment/s:- local irritation of lid margins, conjunctiva and corneal epithelium can develop with prolonged use.

Zovirax® cold sore cream

aciclovir 5 % skin cream
Preservatives:- none listed
Category :- P
Availability:- ZOVIRAXR 5.0% cream
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (hypersensitivity)
Special precaution/s:- renal impairment, esp. with concurrent probenicid use
Adverse drug reaction/s:-
Comment/s:- NOT for ophthalmic use; product is irritating to the eyes.

Zovirax® tablets

aciclovir 400mg tabs
Preservatives:-
Category:- POM
Availability:- ZOVIRAX tab.
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (hypersensitivity)
Special precaution/s:- Renal impairment, especially with concurrent probenicid use. Maintain adequate hydration.
Adverse drug reaction/s:-
Comment/s:- supplementary oral medicine for HSV or shingles infections, especially if recurrent and severe.

---

This file last updated