# Seth AK, Misra A, Umrigar D: Topical liposomal gel of idoxuridine for the treatment of herpes simplex: pharmaceutical and clinical implications. Pharm Dev Technol. 2004 Aug;9(3):277-89. "Pubmed":http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15458233 # Otto SE: Radiopharmaceuticals (Strontium 89) and radiosensitizers (idoxuridine). J Intraven Nurs. 1998 Nov-Dec;21(6):335-7. "Pubmed":http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10392098 # Fauth E, Zankl H: Comparison of spontaneous and idoxuridine-induced micronuclei by chromosome painting. Mutat Res. 1999 Apr 6;440(2):147-56. "Pubmed":http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10209337 (en)
Idoxuridine acts as an antiviral agent by inhibiting viral replication by substituting itself for thymidine in viral DNA. This in turn inhibits thymidylate phosphorylase and viral DNA polymerases from properly functioning. The effect of Idoxuridine results in the inability of the virus to reproduce or to infect/destroy tissue. (en)
Systemic absorption is unlikely following ocular administration even when nasolacrimal secretions are swallowed, since vidarabine is rapidly deaminated in the gastrointestinal tract. (en)