What is Vidarabine (adenine arabinoside, Ara-A)
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the US.
Vidarabine (adenine arabinoside, Ara-A) is an antiviral drug, produced from fermentation cultures of Streptomyces antibioticus. Vidarabine has antiviral activity against herpes simplex types I and II, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, vaccinia, and hepatitis B.
Vidarabine also inhibits the formation of myeloid precursor cells in vitro; however, this effect is about one-third that of cytarabine, Ara-C. In 1976, vidarabine became the first systemic antiviral agent approved by the FDA.
The intravenous formulation of vidarabine was discontinued by the manufacturer in October 1992; the ophthalmic formulation has also subsequently been discontinued.
Indications
- cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Epstein-Barr virus
- hepatitis B virus
- herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis)
- herpes simplex virus type 1
- herpes simplex virus type 2
- keratitis
- keratoconjunctivitis
- varicella-zoster virus
- variola virus (smallpox)
- viral conjunctivitis
Side Effects
- erythema
- keratitis
- lacrimation
- ocular irritation
- ocular pain
- photophobia
- pruritus
Monitoring Parameters
- laboratory monitoring not necessary
Contraindications
- breast-feeding
- children
- infants
- neonates
- pregnancy
Interactions
No information is available regarding drug interactions associated with Vidarabine
