Drug reference
idoxuridine
Iodinated thymidine analogue · Antiviral (Antiherpesvirus)
Iodinated thymidine analogueAntiviral (Antiherpesvirus)
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Idoxuridine is an iodinated thymidine analogue that inhibits the in vitro replication of various DNA viruses, including herpesviruses and poxviruses. Its triphosphate inhibits viral DNA synthesis and is incorporated into both viral and cellular DNA. Idoxuridine lacks selectivity, as low concentrations inhibit the growth of uninfected cells.
Indications
topical (ophthalmic) treatment of HSV keratitistopical treatment of herpes labialis (outside U.S.)topical treatment of genitalis (outside U.S.)topical treatment of zoster (outside U.S.)topical treatment of Herpes simplex keratitissuperficial dendritic keratitis when rapid action is required
Dosing
- Adult
- 0.1% eye drops to be instilled hourly, then 2 hourly and 4 hourly; apply 0.1% eye ointment at night.
Side effects
Common
pain (eye/lids)pruritus (eye/lids)inflammation (eye/lids)edema (eye/lids)higher local toxicityocular irritation
Related guidelines
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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team