Antiviral agent:Treatment and maintenance therapy of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV)Mucocutaneous herpes simplex infection (HSI)
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
CMV: 60 mg/kg every 8 hours induction dose for 2–3 weeks, then 60 mg/kg daily, increase to 90–120 mg/kg if toleratedMucocutaneous herpes simplex infection: 40 mg/kg every 8 hours
CAV/VVHD      :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR=10–20 mL/min.
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
Antivirals: avoid with lamivudine
Ciclosporin: may cause acute renal failure in combination
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
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Route
Centrally (undiluted); peripherally (diluted)
Rate of Administration
Continuous infusion over 24 hours, or intermittent infusion over at least 60 minutes
Comments
If given peripherally dilute with glucose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9% to a concentration of 12 mg/mL or lessAlternatively, piggy-back the undiluted foscarnet dose to 1 litre of a glucose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9% infusionIf given centrally, can be administered undiluted but additional fluids should be given to reduce the risk of nephrotoxicity
OTHER INFORMATION
Maintain adequate hydration to prevent renal toxicityMonitor serum calcium and magnesium Some units use full-dose ganciclovir and half-dose foscarnet concomitantly for treatment of resistant CMV disease