vidarabine /vider″əbēn/ , an antiviral agent. Also called adenine arabinoside. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is an ophthalmic ointment prescribed to treat keratoconjunctivitis and nearby epithelial or superficial keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use, and it should not be used for ophthalmic ulcers that are sterile. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Local irritation, photophobia, and corneal edema may occur in topical ophthalmic applications.
