Vidarabine

Brand Names: Vira-A

Clinical Names: Vidarabine

Summary

generic name: Vidarabine

trade name: Vira-A

type of drug: Antiviral, ophthalmic.

used to treat: Ophthalmic preparations are used to treat virus infections of the eye, especially keratoconjunctivitis; herpes simplex encephalitis.

overview of interactions:
• nutrient affected by drug: Methionine




Interactions

nutrient affected by drug: Methionine

• mechanism: Vidarabine is known to interfere with methionine synthesis.
(Med Lett Drugs Ther 1977 May 20;19(10):42-43; Cantoni GL, et al. N Engl J Med 1982 Oct 21;307(17):1079.)

• nutritional concerns: Individuals taking vidarabine for an extended period of time should consult with their prescribing physician to discuss options for countering the potential adverse effects of this drug. Some nutritionally oriented physicians have found value in monitoring serum methionine in their patients taking vidarabine.

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Do not rely solely on the information in this article.

The information presented in Interactions is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.


References

Vidarabine (Vira-A). Med Lett Drugs Ther 1977 May 20;19(10):42-43.

Cantoni GL, Aksamit RR, Kim IK Methionine biosynthesis and vidarabine therapy. N Engl J Med 1982 Oct 21;307(17):1079. (Letter)