Trifluridine Eye Drops 1%(10 mg/mL) Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Drops

Available Strengths: 1%(10 mg/mL)

Reference Brands: Viroptic (USA/EU/UK)

Category: Opthalmology

Trifluridine Eye Drops (1%) is a prescription antiviral ophthalmic solution used to treat primary keratoconjunctivitis and recurrent epithelial keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Marketed globally under the brand Viroptic®, it is a trusted choice for effective herpesvirus-related eye infections.

Product Description:

Trifluridine is a fluorinated pyrimidine nucleoside analogue. Viral thymidine kinase and cellular enzymes phosphorylate it, and the triphosphate is then incorporated into viral DNA in place of thymidine, producing defective DNA that cannot direct replication. It is active against herpes simplex types 1 and 2 and against vaccinia.

It is used for herpes simplex keratitis — dendritic and geographic corneal ulcers — and for keratoconjunctivitis caused by the virus. The dosing is demanding: one drop every two hours while awake, up to nine drops a day, until the ulcer re-epithelialises, then a reduced schedule for a further week. Because it is incorporated into host DNA as well as viral DNA, it is toxic to the corneal epithelium, and treatment beyond about three weeks is avoided. Superficial punctate keratopathy, stinging and lid oedema are common. Aciclovir ophthalmic ointment and ganciclovir gel are the alternatives in markets where they are registered, and they are less toxic to the surface.

Sourcing notes. Off patent with a narrow supplier base, and it has been subject to shortage and steep price increases in the US. It requires refrigeration in most presentations. Registration differs by region — several markets register only aciclovir ointment or ganciclovir gel for this indication.