What is the main preservative found in the topical antiviral Viroptic (Trifluridine)?

Viroptic (Trifluridine) is a topical antiviral medication commonly used to treat herpes simplex keratitis. The main preservative found in Viroptic is thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing compound that is effective as a preservative in pharmaceutical products, particularly in ophthalmic solutions. It helps maintain the sterility and stability of the medication during its shelf life.

Understanding the role of preservatives in ophthalmic medications is crucial, as they can affect both the efficacy of the drug and the comfort of the patient. Thimerosal is known for its effectiveness, but it is less commonly used now due to concerns about potential toxicity and allergic reactions, leading to a preference for preservative-free formulations in many newer eye drops.