Cidofovir, which goes by the trade name Vistide, is predominantly used to treat eye infections. More specifically, this prescription-only drug is intended for the cytomegalovirus in patients who have been diagnosed with AIDS.
Patients who receive treatment with Cidofovir should not expect a cure for cytomegalovirus. The medicine merely treats the symptoms of the virus and helps to eliminate the discomfort associated with CMV Retinitis, as it's otherwise known.
Cidofovir is classified as an antiviral drug. It is administered intravenously by a qualified medical worker and under the directives of a certified medical practitioner, predominantly in a clinical or hospital setting.
CMV Retinitis affects a significant portion of people infected with Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus. Medical statistics reveal that roughly 10-40% of AIDS patients suffer from this condition.
The virus causes the retina of the eyes to become inflamed. If not properly managed, it could lead to blindness. Cidofovir promises to reduce the effects of cytomegalovirus retinitis by inhibiting the natural multiplication process in the human body.
Over the last decade or so, the incidences of cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDs patients have dropped considerably. However, for patients who may still be afflicted with this condition, Cidofovir is a clear choice to help manage the virus.
Cidofovir carries the risk of major to minor side effects, as is the case with most medicines. Below, readers can find commonly studied and rare side effects of the antiviral medicine:
The most commonly noted adverse side effects of Cidofovir include:
These describe some of the rare side effects of using Cidofovir:
Cidofovir may be used for a viral eye infection, but it is not administered topically. Instead, it is given intravenously.
Patients diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome typically exhibit a weakened immune system. As a result, the Cytomegalovirus needs to be treated with a potent IV dose of Cidofovir.
As mentioned earlier, this medicine is administered intravenously into the bloodstream via a slow-drip method.
Average Doses of Cidofovir
The initial treatment entails 5mg per kg of body weight | 1 X Weekly | Duration: Two Consecutive Weeks.
The dose amounts vary and is carefully weighed by the practicing doctor on duty.
To effectively manage cytomegalovirus, follow up treatments with Cidofovir are required. In adults, medical practitioners generally schedule bi-weekly injections for AIDS patients. The dose amounts are similar to the initial treatment, which is 5mg per body weight for each treatment session.
Cidofovir is administered via an IV solution, which releases this particular medicine into the veins via a slow-drip method. Each treatment session can last for up to six hours. Moreover, post-treatment saline treatments lasting 1-3 hours may also be given to prevent dehydration.
For best results, this medicine is most often prescribed simultaneously with Probenecid, which is taken orally. This is done in large part to reduce the risk of renal impairment and nephrotoxicity.
The dose amounts of Probenecid differ based on patient's age, weight, medical history and other key variables.
Cidofovir is supplied in 5ml clear vials containing 375 mg of the solution. To protect workers' health and safety, as well as the patients being treated, IV safety protocols should be adhered to at all times. This means that gloves should be worn to prevent the risk of infectious disease transmissions. After use, used gloves should be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. The same rule of thumb applies to used needles.
Using Cidofovir with other medicines could potentially cause adverse side effects to occur, some more serious than others. Medical practitioners often rely on the findings of past medical research in order to determine the safety of groups of medicines used in conjunction with each other.
Most medical practitioners, for example, rely on a prescriber's reference guide to double-check this information. In the case of Cidofovir, past research has provided a definitive answer to medications that are not recommended for concomitant use with Cidofovir. Some of these drugs include but aren't limited to:
In the event that Cidofovir is required along with one or more of the above-listed drugs, medical practitioners may adjust the recommended dose of one or more medicines.
Sterile and unopened vials of Cidofovir can be safely stored at room temperatures of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Prepared mixtures can be refrigerated for a period of up to 24 hours.
Cidofovir is recommended exclusively for patients diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) who also have CMV retinitis. It is an injectable antiviral medicine that calms the symptoms of the cytomegalovirus.
Cidofovir is prescribed for both children and adults, although use in minors carries the added risk of developing cancer and infertility issues.
Due to some of the rare and potentially serious side effects of using Cidofovir, patients are generally closely monitored for any new signs of serious complications following use. Moreover, ophthalmologists typically work in conjunction with the primary healthcare provider to watch for signs of vision loss.
Cidofovir is administered intravenously via a slow-drip method, in most cases. Most doses prescribed entail once a week treatment for two consecutive weeks initially. Following this preliminary treatment, a bi-weekly schedule is set in place.
It is important to note that Cidofovir is not a cure for cytomegalovirus, but simply a management treatment. In essence, it inhibits the multiplication of viral cells associated with cytomegalovirus retinitis.