Foscavir

Generic Name: Foscarnet sodium
Product Name: Foscavir

• Indication of Foscavir
• Action of Foscavir
• Dose advice of Foscavir
• Schedule of Foscavir
• Common side effects of Foscavir
• Uncommon side effects of Foscavir

Indication of Foscavir:

Used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).Used in the treatment of aciclovir resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) in immunocompromised patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

^ top

Action of Foscavir:

Microbiology.Foscarnet is a broad spectrum antiviral agent that stops viral regeneration. It is active against human herpes viruses (including HSV type I, HSV type 2, HHV 6), varicella zoster virus, Epstein Barr virus, CMV, and some retroviruses including HIV. Viral polymerase is about 100 times more sensitive to Foscarnet than human polymerase.Pharmacokinetics.The terminal half-life of Foscarnet is approximately 1-8 days. Plasma clearance after intravenous administration varies from 130-160 mL/minute.Foscarnet does not undergo metabolic conversion, and is mainly eliminated by the kidneys.

^ top

Dose advice of Foscavir:

Adults.CMV retinitis.Induction therapy: 60 mg/kg, as intermittent infusions, every 8 hours, over 2-3 weeksMaintenance therapy: 90-120 mg/kg/day, as a once daily infusion, over two hours, seven days a week.HSV infections.Induction therapy: 40 mg/kg, by slow intravenous infusion (over 1 hour), every 8 hours, for 2-3 weeks, or until lesions have healed.Use in pregnancy. (Category B3) The safety and efficacy of Foscarnet in pregnant women has not been established.Use in lactation. Administration to breastfeeding women is not recommended.

^ top

Schedule of Foscavir:

S4

^ top

Common side effects of Foscavir:

Abnormalities of renal function and electrolytes.AnaemiaLocal reaction at site of infusion.Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.Fatigue, malaise.Headache, dizziness.Rash

^ top

Uncommon side effects of Foscavir:

Swelling of anklesMuscle weakness or pain.Low platelet count.

^ top

Diseases treated by Foscavir:

• Cytomegalovirus CMV infection

For further information talk to your doctor.

Article Dates:

Created: 22/7/2003