Acyclic nucleotide phosphonate analog that inhibits viral DNA polymerase after intracellular phosphorylation. Does NOT require viral thymidine kinase activation — active against TK-deficient herpesvirus strains resistant to acyclovir/ganciclovir.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Antiviral (Nucleotide Analog)
Storage
Refrigerate compounded solution; use within 30 days per compounding pharmacy
Dosing
Canine ocular herpesvirus is uncommon
Drug of choice for FHV-1 keratitis and conjunctivitis — only q12h dosing needed
Safety
Corneal lesion responseNasolacrimal patency with chronic useFluorescein staining
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
Other markets
Cidofovir Ophthalmic (compounded)
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Cidofovir Ophthalmic?
Cidofovir Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic antiviral (nucleotide analog) used in pets. Acyclic nucleotide phosphonate analog that inhibits viral DNA polymerase after intracellular phosphorylation. Does NOT require viral thymidine kinase activation — active against TK-deficient herpesvirus strains resistant to acyclovir/ganciclovir.
›What is Cidofovir Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Cidofovir Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Canine ocular herpesvirus is uncommon; Drug of choice for FHV-1 keratitis and conjunctivitis — only q12h dosing needed .
›What is the Cidofovir Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cidofovir Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Canine ocular herpesvirus is uncommon: undefined undefined Ophthalmic N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Cidofovir Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Cidofovir Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Drug of choice for FHV-1 keratitis and conjunctivitis — only q12h dosing needed : undefined undefined Ophthalmic q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Cidofovir Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Cidofovir Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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