Home Drug Guide Trifluridine

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Trifluridine

Brand Names Viroptic

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral (Ophthalmic)

Pharmacological: Nucleoside analogue

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of herpetic keratitis

Mechanism of Action

Trifluridine is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral DNA synthesis by interfering with viral DNA polymerase, thus preventing viral replication.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 1 drop in the affected eye every 2 hours while awake for up to 7 days, then reduce frequency as directed by physician.

Pediatric: Use as directed by a healthcare provider; safety and effectiveness have not established specifically in children.

Geriatric: No specific adjustments necessary; consider assessment of renal and hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustments established.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor accordingly.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption due to topical ophthalmic application.

Distribution: Limited systemic distribution.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally in ocular tissues; systemic metabolism not significant.

Excretion: Excreted primarily through ocular tissues; negligible systemic excretion.

Half Life: N/A for topical application; systemic half-life not applicable.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to trifluridine or any components of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with corneal epithelial defects. Ophthalmic use only; avoid contact with other tissues.
  • Monitor for signs of increased intraocular pressure or local irritation.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Transient ocular irritation (Common)
  • Conjunctival hyperemia (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Corneal toxicity or epithelial defects (Rare)
  • Allergic reactions, including edema and eyelid swelling (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well characterized; use cautiously with other topical ocular medications.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None significant.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • None established.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess ocular condition and response to therapy, monitor for signs of toxicity or adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for corneal damage
  • Impaired visual acuity

Implementation: Administer ophthalmic solution as prescribed; instruct patient on proper instillation technique; maintain strict aseptic technique.

Evaluation: Evaluate therapeutic response and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface.
  • Report any signs of ocular irritation, pain, or vision changes.
  • Follow-up appointments are necessary for monitoring.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently issued.

Genetic Factors: Not applicable.

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with lab tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Ocular irritation, redness, or worsening of symptoms.

Treatment: Discontinue use; supportive care; ocular irrigation if necessary; consult ophthalmology.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; discard after the expiration date.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.