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Idoxuridine: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

  • C9H11IN2O5

Structure of Idoxuridine Trifluoride
Structure of Idoxuridine Trifluoride

Mechanism of Action:

  • Idoxuridine is an antiviral agent that belongs to the nucleoside analogue class.

  • It works against herpes simplex virus (HSV) by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis.

  • Idoxuridine is phosphorylated into its active form by viral and cellular thymidine kinases and then incorporated into the growing viral DNA strand, causing chain termination and inhibiting DNA replication.

Uses:

  • Idoxuridine is primarily used to treat herpes simplex keratitis, a viral infection of the eye.

Side Effects:

  • Some common side effects of idoxuridine include:

  • Eye irritation

  • Burning or stinging sensation

  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)

  • Blurred vision


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