fostal

Fostal, also known as foscarnet, is a medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, including retinitis, esophagitis, and colitis. It is primarily used in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing organ transplantation. Fostal is a synthetic purine analogue that inhibits viral replication by interfering with the virus's ability to incorporate deoxypyrimidine into its DNA.

The medication is administered intravenously and is typically given in a hospital setting due to its potential toxicity and the need for close monitoring. Side effects of fostal can include kidney damage, altered mental status, and respiratory compromise. The most significant risk associated with fostal is the development of nephrotoxicity, which can lead to permanent kidney damage.

Fostal was first approved by the FDA in 1990 for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS. It has since been approved for the treatment of esophagitis and colitis caused by CMV in immunocompromised patients. Studies have shown that fostal can effectively reduce the progression of CMV retinitis and improve visual outcomes in patients with this condition.

However, the use of fostal has declined in recent years due to the availability of alternative therapies for CMV infections. These alternatives, such as antiviral medications like valganciclovir, offer a more convenient and better-tolerated treatment option. Nevertheless, fostal remains an effective treatment for CMV infections and is still used in certain clinical settings, particularly in patients who have failed or are unable to tolerate alternative therapies.