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Trifluridine vs. Zirgan

Trifluridine (Viroptic) is an antiviral eye drop that treats inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye. It's FDA approved for people 6 years and older. When you first start, the eye drops need to be used frequently, every 2 hours while you're awake, with a maximum of 9 drops per day. This medication comes in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include temporary burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops to your eye(s).

• Inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye

• Mild, temporary burning or stinging (5%)
• Eyelid swelling (3%)

• Damage to eyes from long-term use
• Only for herpes eye infection
• Eye irritation

Zirgan, also known by its generic name ganciclovir, is an antiviral eye drop medication. It's used to treat herpetic keratitis or dendritic ulcer, which is an eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (HSV). Zirgan (ganciclovir) is approved for adults and children 2 years and older. It comes as a gel that's placed as a drop directly into the affected eye(s). The dosage is typically taken every 3 hours while awake, then 3 times per day for a week after the eye heals. The most common side effects are blurry vision and eye irritation.

• Eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis) in people ages 2 years and older

• Blurry vision (60%)
• Eye irritation (20%)

• Only for use on the surface of the eye
• Don't wear contact lenses while you're using the medication