Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

To get the best results, cidofovir must be given for the full time of treatment. Also, this medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, cidofovir must be given on a regular schedule.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight is injected slowly into a vein once a week for two weeks in a row. Then the dose is reduced to 5 mg per kg (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight injected slowly into a vein once every two weeks. Probenecid is taken along with each dose of cidofovir; follow your doctor's instructions for how much and when to take probenecid.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.