Cidofovir (CAS 113852-37-2) Suppliers and Product Information

Cidofovir is an acyclic phosphonate cytosine ***ogue with broad-spectrum antiviral activity against DNA viruses, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), adenoviruses, papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses, and poxviruses. It is primarily used for the treatment of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients and acyclovir-resistant herpes infections.

Mechanism of Action: Cidofovir is converted to its active form, cidofovir diphosphate, by cellular enzymes. It inhibits viral DNA synthesis by competitively inhibiting viral DNA polymerase and can also be incorporated into the growing viral DNA strand, causing chain termination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cidofovir

Q: What is the primary use of Cidofovir?

A: Cidofovir is primarily used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS patients. It is also effective against acyclovir-resistant herpes infections and has shown activity against other DNA viruses.

Q: How is Cidofovir administered?

A: Cidofovir is administered intravenously, typically at a dose of 5 mg/kg once a week for 2 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose every 2 weeks.

Q: What are the potential side effects of Cidofovir?

A: The main side effects associated with Cidofovir use include nephrotoxicity and neutropenia. To reduce nephrotoxicity, it is often administered with probenecid and saline hydration.

Q: How does Cidofovir differ from other antiviral medications?

A: Unlike some other antiviral medications, Cidofovir does not require viral thymidine kinase phosphorylation to become active. This allows it to be effective against viruses with deficient or altered thymidine kinase activity.