Idulea

Idulea - General Information

An analog of deoxyuridine that inhibits viral DNA synthesis. The drug is used as an antiviral agent. [PubChem]

Pharmacology of Idulea

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.

Idulea for patients

Description
Idoxuridine (eye-dox-YOOR-i-deen) belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals.
Idoxuridine is used to treat virus infections of the eye.

Idoxuridine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Ophthalmic
Ophthalmic ointment (U.S. and Canada)
Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S. and Canada)

Proper Use of This Medicine
For patients using the eye drop form of idoxuridine:

The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
To use:
First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to
form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the
eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.

If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface
(including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For patients using the eye ointment form of idoxuridine:

To use:
First, wash your hands. Then pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a
thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1-cm (approximately -inch) strip of ointment is usually
enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1
or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface
(including the eye). After using idoxuridine eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with
a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

Do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may
cause problems in the eyes. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment,
even though your symptoms may have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing - The dose of idoxuridine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders
or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of idoxuridine.
If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the
medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using idoxuridine.

For virus infections of the eye:
For eye ointment dosage form:
Adults and childrenUse every four hours during the day (five times a day).
For eye solution (eye drops) dosage form:
Adults and childrenUse every hour during the day and every two hours during the night. After the eye
condition gets better, use every two hours during the day and every four hours during the night.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage - To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in the refrigerator or in a cool place because heat will cause this medicine to break down. However,
keep the medicine from freezing. Follow the directions on the label.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of
the reach of children.

Idulea Interactions

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases
two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases,
your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.

When you are using idoxuridine, it is especially important that your health care professional know
if you are using the following:
Eye product containing boric acid. Boric acid may interact with the idoxuridine preparation causing
a gritty substance to form or may interact with the preservative in the idoxuridine preparation
causing a toxic effect in the eye.

Idulea Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity to the drug.

Additional information about Idulea

Idulea Indication: For use in keratoconjunctivitis and keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus.
Mechanism Of Action: Idulea acts as an antiviral agent against DNA viruses by inhibiting thymidilate phosphorylase and viral DNA polymerases. The effect of Idulea results in the inability of the virus to reproduce or to infect/destroy tissue.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Idoxuridine
Synonyms: Iodoxuridine; Iododeoxyridine; Idoxuridinum [Inn-Latin]; Idoxuridina [Inn-Spanish]; Idoxuridin; Idossuridina [DCIT]; IDU; 5IUDR; 5IDU; Allergan 201; Allergan 211; ID2; IDUR; IUDR
Drug Category: Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; Antiviral Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Idoxuridine: Antizona; Dendrid; Emanil; Heratil; Herpe-Gel; Herpes-Gel; Herpesil; Herpid; Herpidu; Herplex; Herplex Liquifilm; Idexur; Idoxene; Idu Oculos; Iducher; Idulea; Iduridin; Iduviran; Joddeoxiuridin; Kerecid; Ophthalmadine; Spectanefran; Stoxil; Synmiol; Virudox;
Absorption: Systemic absorption is unlikely following ocular administration even when nasolacrimal secretions are swallowed, since vidarabine is rapidly deaminated in the gastrointestinal tract.
Toxicity (Overdose): Hypersensitivity or increased sensitivity of eyes to light. LD₅₀=3080 mg/kg (orally in mice).
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Idoxuridine is rapidly inactivated by deaminases or nucleotidases.
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Idulea: Liquid Topical
Solution / drops Ophthalmic
Chemical IUPAC Name: 1-[(2R,4S,5R)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-5-iodopyrimidine-2,4-dione
Chemical Formula: C9H11IN2O5
Idoxuridine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idoxuridine
Organisms Affected: Herpes simplex virus