Idoxuridine
Idoxuridine is an antiviral medication that works by inhibiting the replication of certain viruses. It is primarily used as a topical treatment for herpes simplex virus infections, particularly keratitis (eye infections).
Topical antiviral medication for herpes simplex virus infections, especially those affecting the eyes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D06BB01
- RxNorm
- 5653
- Generic
- Idoxuridine
- Class
- atc-d06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed for topical use
topical ophthalmic use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
none specific
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesuse with caution
use only for documented HSV infections under close supervision
close clinical monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrenno adjustment needed
approved for use in pediatric patients for HSV keratitis
standard pediatric monitoring
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
no specific dose adjustment required for topical ophthalmic use
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
none specific
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
none specific
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
none specific
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
none specific
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism
Herpes simplex keratitis (eye infections), herpes simplex skin lesions, and occasionally herpes zoster (shingles). Primarily used for ocular HSV infections when topical therapy is appropriate.
Idoxuridine is a nucleoside analog that gets incorporated into viral DNA during replication, causing defective DNA synthesis and preventing the virus from multiplying effectively.
For topical ophthalmic or dermatological use only. May cause local irritation, allergic reactions, or corneal toxicity with prolonged use. Resistance can develop during treatment. Not typically used systemically due to toxicity concerns.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy