Cidofovir

BETA. 1998 Jul:41-2.

Abstract

AIDS: Cidofovir, produced by Gilead Sciences, is available in two forms: an intravenous injectable liquid used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, which is a serious eye infection associated with HIV and low CD4 counts; and as a topical gel used to treat herpes simplex blisters. Additional applications proposed for the gel include treating genital warts and Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. In order to prevent kidney damage, cidofovir is administered with probenecid, and patients are advised to drink large amounts of water. One benefit of cidofovir, compared to other treatments for CMV retinitis, is that it requires patients to receive treatment less often. Physicians prescribing cidofovir with probenecid need to be aware of possible drugs that may interact with cidofovir or probenecid. Contact information is provided.

Publication types

  • Newspaper Article

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy*
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cidofovir
  • Cytomegalovirus Retinitis / drug therapy*
  • Cytosine / administration & dosage
  • Cytosine / adverse effects
  • Cytosine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Organophosphonates*
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / adverse effects
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Probenecid / administration & dosage
  • Probenecid / adverse effects
  • Uricosuric Agents / administration & dosage
  • Uricosuric Agents / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Organophosphonates
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Uricosuric Agents
  • Cytosine
  • Cidofovir
  • Probenecid