Cidofovir

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Cidofovir, a nucleoside analog used to treat HIV.

Cidofovir (CDV) is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis associated with HIV/AIDS. It is an analog of the natural nucleoside cytosine used in DNA. It selectively inhibits the CMV DNA polymerase, probably as the diphosphate, at concentrations 8- to 600-fold lower than needed to inhibit human DNA polymerases. Once incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, the rate of DNA chain synthesis is reduced. Kidney damage and reduced levels of white blood cells and platelets may occur when using this drug.

Its chemical name is [(2S)-1-(4-amino-2-oxopyrimidin-1-yl)-3-hydroxypropan-2-yl]oxymethylphosphonic acid and its chemical formula is C₈H₁₄N₃O₆P. It is sold under the brand names HPMPC and Vistide.

External Links

• Cidofovir - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

• Drug Bank at http://www.drugbank.ca/cgi-bin/getCard.cgi?CARD=DB00369