Quick Detail:
Synonyms: 1-beta-d-arabinofuranosyl-uraci;3h)-pyrimidinedione,1-beta-d-arabinofuranosyl-4(1h;arauridine;spongouridin;uracilarabinoside;ARABINOSYL-URACIL;ARABINOFURANOSYLURACIL;ARA-U
CAS: 3083-77-0
MF: C9H12N2O6
MW: 244.2
EINECS: 221-386-9
Product Categories: Bases & Related Reagents;Carbohydrates & Derivatives;Intermediates & Fine Chemicals;Nucleotides;Pharmaceuticals
Melting point : 220-222°C
Storage temp. : 2-8°C
Chemical Properties : White to Off-White Solid
Usage : Antiviral agent. Used for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Description:
Vidarabine is an antiviral, active against herpes viruses, poxviruses, rhabdoviruses, hepadnaviruses and some RNA tumour viruses. A 3% ophthalmic ointment Vira-A is used in the treatment of acute keratoconjunctivitis and recurrent superficial keratitis caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2. Vidarabine is also used to treat herpes zoster in AIDS patients, reducing lesions formation and the duration of viral shedding. Many of the previous uses of vidarabine have been superseded by acyclovir, due to the hospitalisation required for intra venous dosing, and acyclovir has a higher selectivity, lower inhibitory concentration and higher potency. Toxic side effects are rare, but have been reported with high concentrations of vidarabine, such as nausea, vomiting, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving high intravenous doses daily.