An organic analog of inorganic pyrophosphate that inhibits replication of all known herpesviruses in vitro. Selectively inhibits the pyrophosphate binding site on virus-specific DNA polymerases and reverse transcriptases in concentrations that do not affect cellular DNA polymerases.
Clearance depends on renal function.
Both tubular secretion and glomerular filtration account for urinary elimination of foscarnet. Foscarnet lacks the adverse myelosuppression effect of ganciclovir. Other Major Uses Injection form for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus in immunocomprimised patients. A possible interaction with IV pentamidine possibly causing hypocalcemia has been described. Toxicity with concomitamt use of aerosolized Pentamidne has not been reported.