Photosensitiser (PDT)
Verteporfin (Specialist drug)
Brand names: Visudyne
Adult dose
Dose: Specialist initiation only — refer to BNF/SmPC
Route: IV
Frequency: per indication
Clinical pearls
- Subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (AMD-related, pathologic myopia, OHS)
- Strict 48h light protection
Contraindications
- Porphyria
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
- Photosensitivity (avoid sunlight 48h)
- Visual disturbance
- Injection-site reactions
- Back pain
Interactions
- Photosensitising drugs
Reference: BNF; SmPC; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/verteporfin-specialist-drug/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
- Vancomycin Dosing Calculator · Drug Dosing
- Phenytoin Correction for Albumin / Renal Failure · Drug Dosing
- Local Anaesthetic Maximum Dose Calculator · Drug Dosing
- Tisdale Risk Score for QT Prolongation · Arrhythmia
- Bazett Corrected QT Interval (QTc) Calculator · Arrhythmia
- DAPT Score for Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Duration · Antiplatelet Therapy
Pathways
- Acute Red Eye / Vision Loss Screen · RCOphth 2020; NICE CKS
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension · ABN; consensus 2018
- Acute Red Eye Assessment · RCOphth / AAO
- Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma · RCOphth / EGS Guidelines
- Retinal Detachment · RCOphth Guidelines / EURETINA
- Diabetic Retinopathy — Screening and Management · NICE NG28 2016 / NHS DES Programme