vidarabine; adenine arabinoside (Vira-A, Ara-A)

Introduction

Tradename: Vira-A.

Indications

• treatment of acute keratoconjunctivitis & epithelial keratitis due to Herpes simplex virus
• definitive diagnosis of Herpes simplex conjunctivitis should be made prior to initiating ophthalmic therapy

Dosage

0.5 inch ointment 5 times daily

Ointment: (ophthalmic) 3% (3.5 g).

Adverse effects

• burning, lacrimation, keratitis, photophobia, foreign body sensation, uveitis

More general terms

• antiviral agent

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=32326
• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=21704