What is Viroptic?
Trifluridine is an antiviral medication that combats infections caused by viruses.Viroptic is used for treating eye infections caused by Herpes simplex, which can cause swelling or ulcers on the cornea or eyelids.Viroptic does not treat infections caused by bacteria or mold.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Viroptic.
Side-effects of Viroptic
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.
If you:
- You have new or persistent vision problems.
- Viroptic may cause severe irritation, burning, or stinging.
- You feel something in your eye.
- Your eyes are more sensitive to light and redder.
Viroptic can cause the following side effects:
- Mild eye irritation
- Dry eyes
- Eye redness;
- Eyelids that puff up
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Acyclovir for ophthalmic use, Avaclyr, and Trifluridine for ophthalmic use
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
Viroptic should not be used if you have an allergy to trifluridine.This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Trifluridine ophthalmic does not pass into breast milk. It is unknown if the drug could harm a baby who is nursing. Inform your doctor if a child is breastfed.Viroptic should not be used by children under 6 years of age.
How to take Viroptic?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer.This medicine should be administered every 2 hours while awake by placing 1 drop in the affected eye. You may have to continue using the medicine four times a day for seven more days after your condition has improved. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.
Your doctor may require eye tests to determine the length of treatment you will receive with trifluridine. You should generally not take this medication for more than 21 days.Before using eye drops, wash your hands.
How to apply eye drops
- To create a pocket, tilt your head slightly back and pull your lower eyelid down. The tip of the dropper should be pointing down. Squeeze out a few drops by looking up and away.
- Close your eyes without blinking, squinting, or moving your head. Press your finger gently on the inside corner for 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down into your tear duct.
- Only use the prescribed number of drops.
- You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor before you use any other eye drops.
Avoid touching the tip or placing it directly on your eye. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious vision problems.If the liquid is discolored or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.
If your symptoms don't improve after Viroptic treatment for 7 days, call your doctor.Trifluridine should not be used to treat eye conditions that have not been examined by your doctor. Trifluridine does not treat infections caused by bacteria or fungi.Do not freeze. Store it in the fridge. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Viroptic overdose is unlikely to be harmful. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Viroptic can cause blurred vision, and it may affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert and to see clearly.You should only use eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Trifluridine is unlikely to interact with other drugs that you may take orally or even inject. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
