Newer Compounds in Therapy of Herpes Simplex Keratitis

Abstract

The antiviral activity of idoxuridine (5-iodo-2'deoxyuridine, IDU), trifluorothymidine (F₃TDR), and 5-methylamino-2'deoxyuridine (MADU) were compared on a double-blind basis by noting the effect of topical administration of the drugs on the severity of epithelial herpetic keratitis in rabbits. F₃TDR was clearly more effective in eliminating herpetic lesions than either idoxuridine or MADU. The virus content of infected corneas was determined while under treatment with idoxuridine and F₃TDR, after antiviral treatment, and throughout placebo treatment. The F₃TDR was more effective in lowering the virus titer, and this lowering appeared to be correlated with the epithelial healing. Prolonged treatment prevented a rise in virus titer, which had been seen after shorter periods of idoxuridine therapy. There was no evidence of corneal toxicity after treatment with high concentration of F₃TDR in man and animals.