Products
Trifluridine is commercially available in the form of eye drops and other products. This article relates to ocular therapy.
Structure and properties
Trifluridine (C10H11F3N2O5, Mr = 296.2 g/mol) is a fluorine derivative of thymidine and is therefore also known as trifluorothymidine.
Effects
Trifluridine (ATC S01AD02) has antiviral properties. It inhibits thymidic acid synthetase, viral DNA replication, and thus viral replication.
Indications
Inflammation of the cornea of the eye caused by herpes simplex virus.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drops are administered every three hours during the day. See also under Administering eye drops.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Metaherpetic keratopathy
- Pregnancy
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Combination with glucocorticoids is possible only under close medical supervision.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include follicular conjunctivitis, keratitis superficialis punctata, occlusion of lacrimal puncta, thickening of eyelid margins with keratinization and scarring changes in the conjunctival area, allergies, impaired healing tendency, and epithelial damage.
