Uses and toxicities foscarnet

The drug is an alternative for prophylaxis and treatment of CMV infections, including CMV retinitis, and has activity against ganciclovir-resistant strains of this virus. Foscarnet inhibits herpes DNA polymerase in acyclovir-resistant strains that are thymidine kinase–deficient and may suppress such resistant herpetic infections in patients with AIDS. Adverse effects are severe and include nephrotoxicity (30% incidence) with disturbances in electrolyte balance (especially hypocalcemia), genitourinary ulceration, and CNS effects(headache, hallucinations, seizures).Adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, anemia, nausea, and fever. Due to chelation with divalent cations, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are also seen. In addition, hypokalemia, hypo- and hyperphosphatemia, seizures, and arrhythmias have been reported.