Herpesine

Herpesine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Herpesine, a pyrimidine nucleoside structurally related to thymidine, inhibits viral replication by substituting itself for thymidine in viral DNA. It is active against herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses, and has also been shown to inhibit vaccinia virus, cytomegalovirus and adenovirus.

In chemical structure idoxuridine closely approximates the configuration of thymidine, one of the four building blocks of DNA (the genetic material of the Herpes virus). As a result, idoxuridine is able to replace thymidine in the enzymatic step of viral replication or "growth". The consequent production of faulty DNA results in a pseudostructure which cannot infect or destroy tissue. In short, by pre-empting a vital building block in the genetic material of the Herpes simplex virus, Herplex-D topical solution destroys the infective and destructive capacity of the viral material. The virus infected cell may only be attacked during the period of active synthesis of DNA. This occurs early in the development of the Herpes simplex lesion, but at different times in different cells. Therefore, ideally, the affected area should remain saturated with the antiviral agent.

Herpesine
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Herpesine
Generic	Idoxuridine
Idoxuridine Other Names	5-Iododeoxyuridine, Idoxuridin, Idoxuridina, Idoxuridine, Idoxuridinum, Iododeoxyridine, Iodoxuridine, Joddeoxiuridin
Type
Formula	C₉H₁₁IN₂O₅
Weight	Average: 354.0985 Monoisotopic: 353.971264892
Groups	Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class	Ophthalmic Anti-viral Products
Manufacturer
Available Country	Brazil
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Herpes simplex keratitis

Herpesine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Corneal Erosions, Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis, Keratitis viral

How Herpesine works

Herpesine acts as an antiviral agent by inhibiting viral replication by substituting itself for thymidine in viral DNA. This in turn inhibits thymidylate phosphorylase and viral DNA polymerases from properly functioning. The effect of Herpesine results in the inability of the virus to reproduce or to infect/destroy tissue.

Dosage

Herpesine dosage

Herpes simplex keratitis: Instill 1 drop of 0.1% solution in the affected eye(s) every hr. Taper to every 2 hr or 4 times daily. Continue treatment for at least 7 days.

Side Effects

Ophthalmic: Irritation; inflammation of the eye or eyelids; pain; photophobia; pruritus; conjunctivitis; oedema. Rarely, lachrymal duct occlusion and hypersensitivity reactions. Corneal damage (prolonged use).

Toxicity

Hypersensitivity or increased sensitivity of eyes to light. LD₅₀=3080 mg/kg (orally in mice).

Precaution

Deep ulceration of the stromal layers of the cornea. Avoid prolonged use. Pregnancy and lactation.

Interaction

Corticosteroids may accelerate spread of viral infection.

Elimination Route

Systemic absorption is unlikely following ocular administration even when nasolacrimal secretions are swallowed, since vidarabine is rapidly deaminated in the gastrointestinal tract.