Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

IDOXURIDINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Antiviral agent with activity against herpes simplex (Herpesvirus hominis) varicella-
zoster or herpes zoster (Herpesvirus varicellae) and vaccinia. Used in the treatment of
herpetic keratitis. Acts by blocking the uptake of thymidine into DNA of the virus and
inhibits replication. An efficient inducing agent of oncornaviruses in mice cells. Potent
inhibitor of thymidine kinase and thymidylate synthetase.

SYNONYMS

C9-H11-I-N2-O5, 2'-deoxy-5-iodouridine, 2'-deoxy-5-iodouridine, 1-(2-deoxy-beta-D-
ribofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil, 1-(2-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil, 1-beta-D-2'-
deoxyribofuranosyl-5-iodouracil, 1-beta-D-2'-deoxyribofuranosyl-5-iodouracil, 5-
iododeoxyuridine, 5-iododeoxyuridine, 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine, "5-
iodouracil deoxyriboside", "5-iodouracil deoxyriboside", "Allergan 211", Denrid, Emanil,
Herpesil, Herpidu, Herplex, Idexur, Idoxene, Idoxuridin, IDU, Iducher, Idulea, Iduoculos,
Idur, Idurin, IUDR, 5IUDR, Joddeoxiuridin, Kereci, NSC-39661, Opthalmadine, "SK&F 14287
Stoxil", Synmiol, Virunguent, Vistaspectran, Zostrum, antiviral

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Intravenous injection may produce severe reaction with fatalities having  been reported. Bone marrow depression with leucopenia and thrombocytopenia  are common. Hepatotoxic effects including jaundice, systemic effects  including glossitis, stomatitis, alopecia and gastrointestinal disturbance  may also follow injection.  Squamous carcinoma in one patient has been associated with topical  idoxuridine application. Idoxuridine applied topically to the eye in doses  similar to those used clinically is teratogenic to rabbits, causing  exophthalmic-like deformities and malformed forelegs.  Iodine and iodides cause goiter and diminished as well as increased activity of the thyroid gland. A toxic syndrome resulting from chronic iodide overdose and from repeated administration of small amounts of iodine is characterized by excessive saliva production,  head cold, sneezing, conjunctivitis, headache, fever, laryngitis, inflammation of the bronchi and mouth cavity, inflamed parotid gland, and various skin rashes. Swelling and inflammation of the throat, irritated and swollen eyes and lung swelling may also occur. Swelling of the glottis, necessitating a tracheotomy has been reported. Use of iodides in frequency can cause fetal death, severe goiter, hypothyroidism and the cretinoid appearance of the newborn.