Cidofovir was approved by the U.S. FDA to treat CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS in June 1996.

Cidofovir is used to treat CMV retinitis, an eye infection that affects AIDS patients. Cytomegalovirus causes an eye infection known as CMV retinitis. The virus harms the retina of the eye, which could eventually result in blindness and vision loss.

The recommended dose of Cidofovir is 5 mg/kg body weight administered once weekly for two consecutive weeks. It will be given intravenously by a qualified healthcare professional at a constant rate for over 1 hour. Before taking Cidofovir, you must consume food, and your doctor may advise you to drink plenty of fluids.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Cidofovir are nausea, vomiting, headache, hair loss, weakness, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, inflammation of the eye, and reduced pressure in the eyes. Report to your doctor immediately if you have kidney failure or are on hemodialysis.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Cidofovir and its ingredients. If you get pain, redness, itching of the eye, or changes in your vision, tell your doctor promptly. Cidofovir should be used with caution if you have diabetes mellitus because there may be an increased risk of developing low eye pressure (ocular hypotony). You will need to have your eyes and blood counts tested regularly.

Discuss the contraceptive options with your doctor before starting this treatment if there is a possibility that you may become pregnant. Women should use reliable birth control during treatment and at least six months after the last dose. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the medicine as it is unknown if Cidofovir passes into the breastmilk.

Drink plenty of water with this antiviral medicine, which helps prevent dehydration and kidney damage. While receiving Cidofovir medication and for three months afterward, males should use (condom) barrier birth control techniques. Sodium is present in Cidofovir. If you follow a salt-restricted diet, seek a physician's guidance.

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral agents (nonretroviral), 12th edition, 2011, 1600-1601.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 798-802.
3. Tillomed Laboratories Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on February 2022] [ Accessed on 20th August 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11151.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.