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

Chemical Formula:

• C9H11IN2O5

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