Background
- Inhibits DNA polymerase in human herpesviruses
- Indications: CMV after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CMV after solid organ transplantation, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus, Herpesviridae, Post-transplant acute limbic encephalitis
Spectrum of Activity
- Active against all human herpesviruses
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- CSF penetration 66% of serum levels
Dosing
Pediatric Dosing
- Induction: foscarnet 60 mg/kg IV q8h or 90 mg/kg IV q12h
- Maintenance: foscarnet 90 to 120 mg/kg IV q24h
Safety
- Nephrotoxicity, usually reversible
- Electrolyte abnormalities, including hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia
- Seizures
- Genital ulcers
- Anemia
- Nausea
References
- ^ Dushyantha T. Jayaweera. Minimising the Dosage-Limiting Toxicities of Foscarnet Induction Therapy. Drug Safety. 1997;16(4):258-266. doi:10.2165/00002018-199716040-00003.
