Generic name:
Trifluridine drops - ophthalmic
Pronunciation
(try-FLEWR-ih-deen)
Brand name(s)
Viroptic
Generic name:
Trifluridine drops - ophthalmic
Pronunciation
(try-FLEWR-ih-deen)
Brand name(s)
Viroptic
This medication is used to treat herpes infection of the eye. Herpes is a virus that lives in the body quietly until an outbreak is triggered. Trifluridine is not a cure for the infection, but treatment of an outbreak can speed up the healing of the sores/swelling in the eye and lower the risk of complications (such as vision loss).
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for other eye infections caused by viruses (such as vaccinia virus infections).
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 hours while awake until the eye has healed.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch as directed by your doctor. Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and press gently. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
Do not use more than 9 drops into the eye in a 24-hour period. After healing, use this medication for another 7 days, usually every 4 hours while awake (at least 5 drops per day).
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Do not use this medication more often or use longer than prescribed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. This medication should not be used for more than 21 days at a time.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse, does not get better after 7 days, or does not completely heal after 14 days.
Temporary mild burning, stinging, and irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using trifluridine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exam) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store in the refrigerator away from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised November 2024.
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.