General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Cidofovir
CIDOFOVIR ANHYDROUS
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cidofovir is indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CIDOFOVIR INJECTION HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR TREATMENT OF OTHER CMV INFECTIONS (SUCH AS PNEUMONITIS OR GASTROENTERITIS), CONGENITAL OR NEONATAL CMV DISEASE, OR CMV DISEASE IN NON-HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS.
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Brand names:CIDOFOVIR
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- CIDOFOVIR ANHYDROUS
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- CIDOFOVIR
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Cidofovir?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cidofovir is indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CIDOFOVIR INJECTION HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR TREATMENT OF OTHER CMV INFECTIONS (SUCH AS PNEUMONITIS OR GASTROENTERITIS), CONGENITAL OR NEONATAL CMV DISEASE, OR CMV DISEASE IN NON-HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS.
Cidofovir (CIDOFOVIR ANHYDROUS) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Cidofovir. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Cidofovir with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Cidofovir is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cidofovir is indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CIDOFOVIR INJECTION HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR TREATMENT OF OTHER CMV INFECTIONS (SUCH AS PNEUMONITIS OR GASTROENTERITIS), CONGENITAL OR NEONATAL CMV DISEASE, OR CMV DISEASE IN NON-HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION CIDOFOVIR INJECTION MUST NOT BE ADMINISTERED BY INTRAOCULAR INJECTION. Dosage THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE, FREQUENCY, OR INFUSION RATE MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED. CIDOFOVIR INJECTION MUST BE DILUTED IN 100 MILLILITERS 0.9% (NORMAL) SALINE PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION. TO MINIMIZE POTENTIAL NEPHROTOXICITY, PROBENECID AND INTRAVENOUS SALINE PREHYDRATION MUST BE ADMINISTERED WITH EACH CIDOFOVIR INJECTION INFUSION. Induction Treatment The recommended induction dose of cidofovir injection for patients with a serum creatinine of ≤ 1.5 mg/dL, a calculated creatinine clearance > 55 mL/min, and a urine protein < 100 mg/dL (equivalent to < 2+ proteinuria) is 5 mg/kg body weight (given as an intravenous infusion at a constant rate over 1 hr) administered once weekly for two consecutive weeks. Because serum creatinine in patients with advanced AIDS and CMV retinitis may not provide a complete picture of the patient's underlying renal status, it is important to utilize the Cockcroft-Gault
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- ADVERSE REACTIONS
- Nephrotoxicity: Renal toxicity, as manifested by ≥ 2+ proteinuria, serum creatinine elevations of ≥ 0.4 mg/dL, or decreased creatinine clearance ≤ 55 mL/min, occurred in 79 of 135 (59%) patients receiving cidofovir injection at a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg every other week.
- Maintenance dose reductions from 5 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg due to proteinuria or serum creatinine elevations were made in 12 of 41 (29%) patients who had not received prior therapy for CMV retinitis (Study 106) and in 19 of 74 (26%) patients who had received prior therapy for CMV retinitis (Study 107).
- Prior foscarnet use has been associated with an increased risk of nephrotoxicity;
- therefore, such patients must be monitored closely (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
- Neutropenia: In clinical trials, at the 5 mg/kg maintenance dose, a decrease in absolute neutrophil count to ≤ 500 cells/mm 3 occurred in 24% of patients.
- Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) was used in 39% of patients.
Serious
- WARNINGS Nephrotoxicity Dose dependent nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting toxicity related to cidofovir injection administration.
- Cases of acute renal failure resulting in dialysis and/or contributing to death have occurred with as few as one or two doses of cidofovir injection.
- Renal function (serum creatinine and urine protein) must be monitored within 48 hours prior to each dose of cidofovir injection.
- Dose adjustment or discontinuation is required for changes in renal function (serum creatinine and/or urine protein) while on therapy.
- Proteinuria, as measured by urinalysis in a clinical laboratory, may be an early indicator of cidofovir injection-related nephrotoxicity.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
WARNINGS Nephrotoxicity Dose dependent nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting toxicity related to cidofovir injection administration. Cases of acute renal failure resulting in dialysis and/or contributing to death have occurred with as few as one or two doses of cidofovir injection. Renal function (serum creatinine and urine protein) must be monitored within 48 hours prior to each dose of cidof
How Cidofovir Works
Mechanism of Action Cidofovir suppresses cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication by selective inhibition of viral DNA synthesis. Biochemical data support selective inhibition of CMV DNA polymerase by cidofovir diphosphate, the active intracellular metabolite of cidofovir. Cidofovir diphosphate inhibits herpesvirus polymerases at concentrations that are 8- to 600-fold lower than those needed to inhibit human cellular DNA polymerases alpha, beta, and gamma 1, 2, 3 . Incorporation of cidofovir into the growing viral DNA chain results in reductions in the rate of viral DNA synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Cidofovirwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cidofovir side effects
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Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Cidofovir
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.