cidofovir anhydrous at a glance
Medicine class
Systemic nucleotide analogue antiviral
Licensed use
CMV retinitis in adults with AIDS, without renal dysfunction, when other treatments are unsuitable
Kidney protection
Given with oral probenecid and intravenous saline; kidney monitoring is essential
What is cidofovir anhydrous used for?
The selected product is licensed only for:
CMV retinitis in adults with AIDS who do not have renal dysfunction, when other medicines are unsuitable.
It suppresses viral replication and may delay worsening; it does not cure CMV retinitis or treat HIV.
How does cidofovir anhydrous work?
Inside cells, cidofovir is converted to cidofovir diphosphate. This inhibits viral DNA polymerase and slows production of new viral DNA, suppressing CMV replication.
cidofovir anhydrous preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 75 mg/mL
How to take cidofovir anhydrous
A healthcare professional dilutes the concentrate in normal saline and administers it through a vein using an infusion pump.
Oral probenecid and intravenous saline are required to reduce kidney toxicity.
Take food before probenecid to help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Cidofovir must not be injected directly into the eye or applied to the skin.
Tell the team about all prescription, non-prescription and herbal products.
cidofovir anhydrous side effects
Common or expected effects
- Kidney-test changes, including protein in the urine or increased blood creatinine
- Reduced neutrophil count
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash, hair loss, fever or weakness
- Diarrhoea or chills
- Eye inflammation or reduced pressure inside the eye
Get urgent medical advice
- Kidney failure or Fanconi syndrome
- Eye pain, redness or vision changes
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Severe allergic or blistering skin reaction, particularly from probenecid
- Pancreatitis or new hearing impairment
cidofovir anhydrous in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Cidofovir is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy or plans to conceive require specialist discussion, and effective contraception is advised during and after treatment.
cidofovir anhydrous while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether cidofovir or its metabolites enter human milk, and harm to an infant cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment; discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
cidofovir anhydrous interactions
Cidofovir is given with probenecid, which has numerous interactions. The specialist team should review every medicine before treatment.
Tenofovir disoproxil
Concurrent use increases the risk of kidney tubular injury and Fanconi syndrome and is contraindicated.
Other potentially nephrotoxic medicines
Aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, foscarnet, intravenous pentamidine, adefovir and vancomycin may add to kidney toxicity and must not be given concurrently.
Zidovudine
Probenecid increases zidovudine exposure, requiring specialist review and monitoring for blood toxicity.
Common questions about cidofovir anhydrous
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is cidofovir used for?
CMV retinitis in adults with AIDS who have no renal dysfunction, when other medicines are unsuitable.
Why are probenecid and intravenous saline given?
They are required to help reduce the risk of kidney injury.
What tests are needed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.