Foscarnet Sodium 24 mg/mL Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Infusion

Available Strengths: 24 mg/mL

Reference Brands: Foscavir (USA/EU)

Category: Anti Viral

Foscarnet sodium is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS and also for acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in immunocompromised patients. Foscavir works by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, preventing viral replication.

Product Description:

Foscarnet is not a nucleoside analogue at all — it is a pyrophosphate analogue that binds directly to the pyrophosphate binding site on viral DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase, blocking them without needing any activation by viral or cellular kinases. That independence is the whole point: viruses resistant to aciclovir or ganciclovir through thymidine kinase mutations remain fully susceptible to foscarnet.

It is used for cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS and for aciclovir-resistant mucocutaneous herpes simplex, given by controlled intravenous infusion. Its toxicity is substantial and defines its use. Nephrotoxicity is common and requires saline pre-hydration with every dose and close monitoring of renal function. It chelates divalent cations, causing falls in calcium and magnesium that can produce paraesthesia, seizures and arrhythmias — electrolytes must be measured frequently and replaced. Genital ulceration occurs from drug excreted in urine. It must be given through an infusion pump at a controlled rate.

Sourcing notes. A hospital product with a narrow supplier base. Large-volume infusion bottles mean freight and storage costs are significant relative to value. Demand is small and unpredictable, driven by resistant infections in transplant and HIV units, but there is often no alternative.