Cidofovir

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis (HIV Infection or AIDS)
Other non-FDA approved uses
1. CMV pneumonitis or Gastroenteritis
2. Resistant HSV and VZV Infections
3. Invasive Adenovirus or BK Virus (transplant patients)
4. In vitro activity against Vaccinia and Variola

Active against the Herpes Family of Viruses, especially Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Synthetic, acyclic, monophosphate Nucleotide analog of deoxycytidine (deoxyribonucleoside in DNA synthesis)
1. Cidofovir is activated within infected host cells, via phosphorylation by pyruvate kinases to Cidofovir diphosphate
2. Cidofovir diphosphate competes with deoxycytosine-5-triphosphate (dCTP) for viral DNA Polymerase
3. When incorporated into DNA, it prevents further viral DNA polymerization, and block viral DNA Replication

Cidofovir for Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
1. Start: 5 mg/kg IV once weekly for 2 weeks
2. Next: 5 mg/kg IV every othe week
Medications typically administered with Cidofovir
1. Probenacid 2 grams orally before and 1 gram orally at 2 and 8 hours after Cidofovir infusion
2. Normal Saline during Cidofovir infusion

Granulocytopenia
Metabolic Acidosis
Ocular adverse effects
1. Ocular Hypotony
2. Iritis or Uveitis
Nephrotoxicity (severe)
1. Similar to Fanconi Syndrome
2. Stop all other Nephrotoxic Drugs at least 1 week before starting Cidofovir

Avoid in Lactation
Avoid in Pregnancy due to Teratogenicity (Despite Pregnancy Category C)
1. Avoid pregnancy for at least one month after taking Cidofovir
2. Men should use barrier Contraception (Condoms) for at least 3 months after taking Cidofovir

Nephrotoxic Drugs
Zidovudine
1. Hold Zidovudine (or decrease its dose by 50%) on the day Cidofovir is given