Practical information on using cidofovir

Cidofovir is active against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and adenovirus. It does not penetrate the central nervous system and should not be used to treat CMV encephalitis.

The risk of nephrotoxicity from cidofovir is reduced by co-administration of probenecid (before and after the cidofovir infusion) and intravenous fluid (before and, if tolerated, during the cidofovir infusion). Instruct patients to drink plenty of fluids while being treated with cidofovir.