Treats virus infections of the eye. Also called ara-A and arabinoside.
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vidarabine.
Uses:
Ointment
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any other products in your eyes.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before you start using vidarabine.
You should not use more of this medicine than your doctor ordered. Using too much vidarabine could be harmful to your eyes.
Wear sunglasses when in bright light.
Call your doctor if your eye infection is not better or if it is worse after one week of treatment.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Swelling of the eyes, eyelids or face
Severe eye pain or itching
Increased eye redness or irritation than before you started using this ointment
