Question 1

What is Cidofovir Ophthalmic used for?

Accepted Answer

Cidofovir Ophthalmic is indicated for: FHV-1 keratitis, Viral keratitis.

Question 2

What routes can Cidofovir Ophthalmic be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: TOPICAL (ophthalmic).

Question 3

Which species have cited Cidofovir Ophthalmic dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Cidofovir Ophthalmic dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Cidofovir Ophthalmic a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Cidofovir Ophthalmic is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Cidofovir Ophthalmic?

Accepted Answer

Compounded from IV formulation. Handle with gloves. Mild local irritation. Used for FHV-1 keratitis in cats. Twice daily dosing (less frequent than other antivirals).

Question 6

What are the side effects of Cidofovir Ophthalmic?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Cidofovir Ophthalmic: Compounded from IV formulation. Handle with gloves. Mild local irritation. Used for FHV-1 keratitis in cats. Twice daily dosing (less frequent than other antivirals).

Question 7

How does Cidofovir Ophthalmic work?

Accepted Answer

Nucleotide analog that inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Does not require viral thymidine kinase for activation, effective against TK-resistant strains.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	TOPICAL (ophthalmic)	0.5% compounded from IV formulation	q12h	Moderate	Fontenelle JR, Powell CC, Veir JK, Radecki SV, Lappin MR. Effect of topical ophthalmic application of cidofovir on experimentally induced primary ocular feline herpesvirus-1 infection in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2008;69:289-293. doi:10.2460/ajvr.69.2.289 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1381 (2026-08-01).
Dog (Domestic)	TOPICAL (ophthalmic)	Rare indication in dogs	q12h	Extrapolated	Ledbetter EC, Spertus CB, Pennington MR, Walle GR van de, Judd BE, Mohammed HO. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Cidofovir as a Topical Ophthalmic Antiviral for Ocular Canine Herpesvirus-1 Infections in Dogs. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2015;31:642-649. PMID: 26418618 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1381 (2026-08-01).

Cidofovir Ophthalmic

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Cidofovir Ophthalmic dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by 2 published sources

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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