Generic Name: trifluridine ophthalmic (trye FLURE i deen off THAL mik)
Brand Names: Trifluridine, Viroptic
What is Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic)?
Trifluridine ophthalmic is an antiviral medication. It fights eye infections that are caused by certain viruses.
Trifluridine ophthalmic is used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can lead to swelling or ulcers in the eyelids or cornea (surface of the eyeball).
Trifluridine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to trifluridine. This medication will not treat an infection that is caused by bacteria or fungus.
The usual dose of trifluridine ophthalmic is one drop into the affected eye every 2 hours while you are awake. Do not use more than 9 drops in the course of one full day.
Once your condition improves, you may need to keep using the medication 4 times daily (up to 5 drops per day) for another 7 days. Your doctor should check your eyes to determine how long you need to use the medicine.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying trifluridine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after putting in the eye drops.
Avoid using other eye medications while using trifluridine ophthalmic, unless your doctor has told you to.
Trifluridine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 days.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to trifluridine. This medication will not treat an infection that is caused by bacteria or fungus. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether trifluridine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication in a child younger than 6 years old.
How should I use Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
The usual dose of trifluridine ophthalmic is one drop into the affected eye every 2 hours while you are awake. Do not use more than 9 drops in the course of one full day.
Once your condition improves, you may need to keep using the medication 4 times daily (up to 5 drops per day) for another 7 days. Your doctor should check your eyes to determine how long you need to use the medicine.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying trifluridine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after putting in the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 days.
Store the eye drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Rinse the eye with water and seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of trifluridine ophthalmic is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic)?
This medication may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Avoid using other eye medications while using trifluridine ophthalmic, unless your doctor has told you to.
Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using trifluridine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
severe swelling around your eyes;
tunnel vision; or
severe pain, burning, or other irritation of your eyes.
Keep using the medication and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
mild eye pain, burning, stinging, itching, or redness;
blurred vision; or
feeling of pressure inside the eye.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Viroptic (trifluridine ophthalmic)?
There may be other drugs that can affect trifluridine ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Viroptic resources
- Viroptic Side Effects (in more detail)
- Viroptic Dosage
- Viroptic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Viroptic Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Viroptic - Add your own review/rating
- Viroptic Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Viroptic Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Viroptic Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Viroptic Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Viroptic with other medications
- Herpetic Keratitis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has information about trifluridine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
See also: Viroptic side effects (in more detail)
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