Iodinated thymidine analog phosphorylated intracellularly and incorporated into viral and host DNA, causing faulty transcription and inhibiting viral replication. First antiviral developed. Requires frequent dosing due to poor corneal penetration.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog)
Storage
Refrigerate compounded solution; protect from light; use within 14–21 days
Dosing
Canine herpes keratitis is rare
Used for FHV-1 keratitis and conjunctivitis
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.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Corneal lesion responseCorneal epithelial healthSigns of toxicity (>2 weeks continuous use)
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.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
Other markets
Idoxuridine Ophthalmic (compounded)
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Idoxuridine Ophthalmic?
Idoxuridine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic antiviral (nucleoside analog) used in pets. Iodinated thymidine analog phosphorylated intracellularly and incorporated into viral and host DNA, causing faulty transcription and inhibiting viral replication. First antiviral developed. Requires frequent dosing due to poor corneal penetration.
›What is Idoxuridine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Idoxuridine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Canine herpes keratitis is rare; Used for FHV-1 keratitis and conjunctivitis.
›What is the Idoxuridine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Idoxuridine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Canine herpes keratitis is rare: undefined undefined Ophthalmic N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Idoxuridine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Idoxuridine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for FHV-1 keratitis and conjunctivitis: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q4–6h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Idoxuridine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Idoxuridine Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database