Trifluridine

Major Uses

Trifluridine is an antiviral ophthalmic drug that is primarily used to treat eye disease caused by the feline herpes virus.

Common Precautions

Trifluridine treatment should be discontinued if there appears to be no improvement in the patient. Because frequent administration may cause stress, the animal's condition may worsen because stress is also known to trigger the herpes infection. Patients with corneal scratch or ulcer should not use this drug.

The most common side effect associated with trifluridine is eye irritation. Trifluridine may also delay healing of other eye conditions.

Trifluridine should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected or if any concerning side effects appear.

Storage

Trifluridine should be kept in the refrigerator in a childproof container that is resistant to light. It should be kept in a location where it cannot be easily reached by children or pets.

Administration

Trifluridine is usually administered every two hours during the first two days of treatment. After that, it is administered 4-6 times a day. Treatment should continue for at least a week after symptoms of the eye disease disappear. If trifluridine is being administered along with other medications, 5 minutes should be allowed in between each drug dose. This will ensure that the medications will not wash each other out. Should a dose of trifluridine be missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regularly scheduled dose should be given. Two doses of trifluridine should not be given at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.