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Trifluridine Ophthalmic

Prescription
Ophthalmic Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog)
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Fluorinated pyrimidine nucleoside that is phosphorylated and incorporated into both viral and host DNA, inhibiting thymidylate synthase and viral DNA polymerase. Most potent topical antiviral but also most toxic to corneal epithelium.

At a glance

Class
Ophthalmic Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; discard 28 days after opening

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Canine herpesvirus keratitis is rare
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
N/A
🐈

Cat

Used for FHV-1 keratitis
Dose
Route
Ophthalmic
Frequency
q4–6h
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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; discard 28 days after opening

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Corneal lesion responseCorneal epithelial health (toxicity signs)Limit treatment to 21 days then reassess
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

Viroptic

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Trifluridine Ophthalmic?
Trifluridine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic antiviral (nucleoside analog) used in pets. Fluorinated pyrimidine nucleoside that is phosphorylated and incorporated into both viral and host DNA, inhibiting thymidylate synthase and viral DNA polymerase. Most potent topical antiviral but also most toxic to corneal epithelium.
What is Trifluridine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Trifluridine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Canine herpesvirus keratitis is rare; Used for FHV-1 keratitis.
What is the Trifluridine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Trifluridine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Canine herpesvirus 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 Trifluridine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Trifluridine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Used for FHV-1 keratitis: undefined undefined Ophthalmic q4–6h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Trifluridine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Trifluridine 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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Ophthalmic Antiviral).

Cidofovir Ophthalmic
Rx
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.
dogcat
Ganciclovir Ophthalmic
Rx
Acyclic nucleoside analog phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase then cellular kinases to active triphosphate, which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase and incorporates into viral DNA causing chain termination. More potent than acyclovir against herpesvirus.
dogcat
Idoxuridine Ophthalmic
Rx
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.
dogcat
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