IDOXURIDINE (Ophthalmic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
In Canada?
Category
Description
Idoxuridine (eye-dox-YOOR-i-deen) belongs to thefamily of medicines called antivirals. Idoxuridine is used to treat virusinfections of the eye.
Idoxuridine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the followingdosage forms:
Ophthalmic- Ophthalmic ointment (U.S. and Canada)
- Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For idoxuridine, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to idoxuridine or to iodine or iodine-containing preparations.Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances,such as preservatives.
Pregnancy?Idoxuridine ophthalmic preparations have not beenshown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. However, studiesin animals have shown that idoxuridine causes protruding eyes (eyes that stickout too far) and deformed front legs in rabbits. Before using this medicine,make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether idoxuridine passes intothe breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are usingthis medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this medicinein children with use in other age groups.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof idoxuridine in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are usingidoxuridine, it is especially important that your health care professionalknow if you are using the following:
- Eye product containing boric acid?Boric acid may interact withthe idoxuridine preparation causing a gritty substance to form or may interactwith the preservative in the idoxuridine preparation causing a toxic effectin the eye
Proper Use of This Medicine
For patientsusing the eye drop form of idoxuridine:
- The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
- To use:
- First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lowereyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouchand gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutesto allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
- If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly,use another drop.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
For patients using the eye ointment form ofidoxuridine:
- To use:
- First, wash your hands. Then pull the lower eyelid away from theeye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1-cm(approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough unless otherwisedirected by your doctor. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip to any surface (including the eye). After using idoxuridine eye ointment,wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightlyclosed.
Do not use this medicine more often or for a longertime than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause problems in the eyes.If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep usingthis medicine for the full time of treatment, even though your symptomsmay have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.
Dosing?The dose of idoxuridine will be different fordifferent patients. Follow your doctor's orders or thedirections on the label. The following information includes only theaverage doses of idoxuridine. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of doses you use each day, the time allowedbetween doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medicalproblem for which you are using idoxuridine.
- For virus infections of the eye:
- For eye ointment dosage form:
- Adults and children?Use every four hours during the day (fivetimes a day).
- For eye solution (eye drops) dosage form:
- Adults and children?Use every hour during the day and everytwo hours during the night. After the eye condition gets better, use everytwo hours during the day and every four hours during the night.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store in the refrigerator or in a cool place because heat will causethis medicine to break down. However, keep the medicine from freezing. Followthe directions on the label.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It isvery important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits.
If your symptoms do not improve within a week, or if they become worse,check with your doctor.
This medicine may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light thanthey are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to brightlight may help lessen the discomfort.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:
Less common
Increased sensitivity of eyes to light; itching, redness, swelling, pain, or other sign of irritation not presentbefore use of this medicine
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayduring treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check withyour doctor if the following side effect continues or is bothersome:
After application, eye ointments usually cause your vision to blur fora few minutes.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Ifyou notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 06/21/1993
