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Drug Details

HERPID Topical Solution

• Drug Class Description
  Thymidine analogues (antivirals).
• Generic Name
  Idoxuridine, dimethyl sulfoxide (dimethyl sulphoxide)dimethyl sulphoxide
• Presentation
  Topical Solution.
• Description
  A clear, colourless solution containing idoxuridine BP 5% in dimethyl sulfoxide
• Indications
  Cutaneous herpes simplex and herpes zoster (shingles).
• Adult Dosage
  

  Administration: Herpid should be painted on the lesions and their erythematous bases four times daily for four days.

  Adults and children over 12 years:

  Treatment should start as soon as the condition has been diagnosed, ideally within two or three days after the rash appears. Good results are less likely if treatment is not started within seven days.

• Child Dosage
  Children under 12 years: The use of Herpid in children with malignant disease might be justified but, although not a contra-indication, its use in children under the age of 12 years is not recommended.
• Elderly Dosage
  No specific information on the use of this product in the elderly is available. Clinical trials have included patients over 65 years and no adverse reactions specific to this age group have been reported.
• Contra Indications
  

  Known hypersensitivity to either idoxuridine or dimethyl sulfoxide.

  Dermographia.

• Special Precautions
  

  Herpid in the eye causes stinging: treat by washing out with water. The dimethyl sulfoxide in Herpid may be irritant to the skin.

• Interactions
  

  Since the solvent in Herpid can increase the absorption of many substances it is important that no other topical medication be used on the same areas of skin treated with Herpid.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Patients often experience stinging when applying Herpid and a distinctive taste during a course of treatment; both effects are transient.

  Skin reactions have occasionally been reported.

  Over-usage of the solution may lead to maceration of the skin.