ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/vidarabine
US brand names:Vira-A
Phosphorylated to ara-ATP which inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Active against HSV and VZV. Largely replaced by acyclovir.
Poorly soluble — requires large IV volumes. Neurotoxic at high doses. Ophthalmic form better tolerated. Largely obsolete systemically.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | Ophthalmic | Topical ophthalmic for feline herpes keratitis | q4-6h | Moderate | Stiles, J. (1995) Treatment of cats with ocular disease attributable to herpesvirus infection: 17 cases (1983-1993). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 207, 599-603. doi:10.2460/javma.1995.207.05.0599 — Verified against Veterinary Ophthalmology (Gelatt), 6th Ed, p.1815 (2026-08-01). |
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