Foscarnet Medication Information

Discover comprehensive details about Foscarnet, including its pronunciation, uses, dosage instructions, indications, and guidelines on how and when to take it or avoid it.

The updated prescription information covers potential side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage recommendations.

Additionally, explore the Foscarnet brands available in India and internationally, along with pricing information. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Foscarnet

Pronunciation : fos-KAR-net

ICD Code : Y41.5 Therapeutic Classification : Antivirals

Brand Names or Trade Names of Foscarnet

International :

Foscavir

Why is Foscarnet Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antiviral medication, prescribed for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) in immunocompromised (impaired immune system) patients.

When should Foscarnet not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Foscarnet?

For CMV retinitis patients, either 90 mg/kg (1-1/2 to 2 hour infusion) every twelve hours or 60 mg/kg (minimum one hour infusion) every eight hours over 2-3 weeks depending on clinical response.
For acyclovir-resistant HSV patients, 40 mg/kg (minimum one hour infusion) either every 8 or 12 hours for 2-3 weeks or until healed.

How should Foscarnet be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.

What are the warnings and precautions for Foscarnet?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of central nervous system disease, kidney impairment, dehydration, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Monitor eye exams, kidney function tests, and electrolyte levels regularly while taking this medication.

• It should not be used in children.

What are the side effects of Foscarnet?

Most Common - Fever, nausea, vomiting, anemia, diarrhea.
Body as a Whole - Fever, fatigue, rigors, weakness, uneasiness, pain, infection, sepsis, death back pain, chest pain, fluid retention, influenza-like symptoms, bacterial infections, fungal infections, abscess.
Central Nervous System - Headache, tingling, dizziness, involuntary muscle contractions, sensory loss, nerve disease, seizures, tremor, incoordination, stupor, generalized spasms, brain inflammation, abnormal coordination, leg cramps, EEG abnormalities.
Gastrointestinal - Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain constipation, difficulty in swallowing, indigestion, rectal bleeding, dry mouth, blood in stool, flatulence, ulcer, mouth ulcer, inflammation of pancreas.
Blood - Anemia, decrease in white blood cells, platelet abnormalities, and disease of the lymph nodes.
Metabolic - Electrolyte imbalances, decrease in blood minerals, decreased weight, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased LDH, increased BUN, acidosis, loss of weight, thirst, decrease in blood calcium.
. Psychiatric - Depression, confusion, anxiety, sleeplessness, drowsiness, nervousness, memory loss, agitation, aggressive reaction, and hallucinations.
Respiratory - Coughing, difficulty in breathing, sinus inflammation, pharynx inflammation, runny nose, respiratory disorders, respiratory insufficiency, lung infection, bloodstained sputum, asthma.
Skin - Rash, increased sweating, itching, skin ulceration, rash, skin discoloration.
Genitourinary - Alterations in kidney function, increased serum creatinine, decreased creatinine clearance, painful urination, urinary frequency urethral disorder, urinary retention, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, night time urination, facial swelling.
Heart - High blood pressure, palpitations, ECG abnormalities, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, flushing, brain disorder.
Musculoskeletal - Muscle and joint pain.