Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 1% (generic)
Herpes Simplex Virus
Indicated for the treatment of primary keratoconjunctivitis and recurrent epithelial keratitis due to herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2
1 gtt onto cornea q2hr while awake until reepithelialization (not to exceed 9 gtt/day), THEN
1 gtt q4hr (minimum 5 gtt/day) x7 days
Not to exceed treatment beyond 21 days
Off-label Uses
CDC recommends use for smallpox or monkeypox viral ophthalmic infections
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 1% (generic)
Herpes Simplex Virus
Indicated for the treatment of primary keratoconjunctivitis and recurrent epithelial keratitis due to herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2
<6 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥6 years
- 1 gtt onto cornea q2hr while awake until reepithelialization (not to exceed 9 gtt/day), THEN
- 1 gtt q4hr (minimum 5 gtt/day) x7 days
- Not to exceed treatment beyond 21 days
Off-label Uses
CDC recommends use for smallpox or monkeypox viral ophthalmic infections
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Transient burning/stinging
Palpebral edema
Frequency Not Defined
Superficial punctate keratopathy
Epithelial keratopathy
Stromal edema
Keratitis sicca
Hyperemia
Increased IOP
Hypersensitivity reactions
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Cosnider other Tx if no improvement after 7 days or incomplete reepithelialization after 14 days
Use >21 days should be avoided because of potential ocular toxicity
Inactive against bacteria, fungi & Chlamydia
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: unlikely to be distributed into breast milk; use caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Appears to involve inhibition of viral replication; trifluridine, instead of thymidine, is incorporated into viral DNA during replication which results in the formation of defective proteins and an increased mutation rate
Reversibly inhibits thymidylate synthetase, an enzyme required for DNA synthesis
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: penetrates cornea & can be detected in the aqueous humor; no systemic
Metabolites: 5-carboxy-2'-deoxyuridine
Administration
Ocular Administration
For ophthalmic use only
Avoid touching tip of applicator to eye or other surfaces
Wash hands before and after instillation
Storage
Refrigerate at 2-8ºC (36-46ºF)
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
trifluridine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops | ![]() | |
trifluridine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
trifluridine ophthalmic (eye)
TRIFLURIDINE DROPS - OPHTHALMIC
(try-FLEWR-ih-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Viroptic
USES: This medication is used to treat herpes infection of the eye. Herpes is a virus that lives in the body quietly until an outbreak is triggered. Trifluridine is not a cure for the infection, but treatment of an outbreak can speed up the healing of the sores/swelling in the eye and lower the risk of complications (such as vision loss).
HOW TO USE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch as directed by your doctor. Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and press gently. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 hours while awake until the eye has healed. Do not use more than 9 drops into the eye in a 24-hour period. After healing, use this medication for another 7 days, usually every 4 hours while awake (at least 5 drops per day).If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Do not use this medication more often or use longer than prescribed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. This medication should not be used for more than 21 days at a time.Tell your doctor if your condition worsens, does not improve after 7 days, or does not completely heal after 14 days.
SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary mild burning, stinging, and irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling eyelids, eye pain/redness, feeling as if something is in the eye, vision changes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using trifluridine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye problems (such as glaucoma).After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exam) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator away from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.