Vidarabine

Vidarabine as a 3% ointment is effective treatment for acute keratoconjunctivitis, superficial keratitis, and recurrent epithelial keratitis due to HSV. Intravenous vidarabine (10-15 mg/kg daily) is effective for treatment of HSV encephalitis, neonatal herpes, and VZV infection in immunocompromised patients. The drug is eliminated primarily by renal mechanisms as the hypoxanthine metabolite. Potential toxicities include gastrointestinal intolerance, neurologic manifestations (confusion, myoclonus, seizures), and myelosuppression.