Valacyclovir neurotoxicity: clinical experience and review of the literature
- 1 April 2009
- journal article
- case report
- Published by Wiley in European Journal of Neurology
- Vol. 16 (4), 457-460
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02527.x
Abstract
Valacyclovir (VACV) is used increasingly to treat herpes zoster, although neuropsychiatric symptoms [VACV neurotoxicity (VAN) or acyclovir neurotoxicity], may accompany use of this drug. To promote awareness of this rare condition, we describe here two clinical cases of VAN we previously reported and review 20 cases from the literature. In all cases, chronic or acute renal failure preceded VAN. The symptoms of VAN varied, but disturbances of consciousness and hallucination occurred most commonly. When acute renal failure was due to the drug, recovery from both the disturbance of consciousness and renal failure followed within several days after discontinuation of VACV. Early recognition and diagnosis will ensure effective treatment of VAN.Keywords
This publication has 16 references indexed in Scilit:
- Death delusionBMJ, 2007
- Acute renal failure and severe neurotoxicity following valacyclovirIntensive Care Medicine, 2005
- Adjustment of Valacyclovir Dosage for Herpes Zoster Infection in Patients Undergoing HemodialysisIryo Yakugaku (Japanese Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences), 2004
- Neurotoxicity of acyclovir and valacyclovir in a hemodialyzed patientEuropean Journal of Neurology, 2003
- Valacyclovir-Induced Seizures in End-Stage Renal DiseaseAnnals of Pharmacotherapy, 2003
- Possible Valacyclovir-Related Neurotoxicity and Aseptic MeningitisAnnals of Pharmacotherapy, 2003
- Valacyclovir in the Treatment of Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster, and other Viral InfectionsJournal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2003
- Valacyclovir neurotoxicity in a patient with end-stage renal disease treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysisClinical Nephrology, 2002
- Neurotoxicity of Valacyclovir in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Pharmacokinetic StudyAmerican Journal of Nephrology, 2001
- Neurotoxicity Caused by Valacyclovir in a Patient on HemodialysisTherapeutic Drug Monitoring, 1998