Acyclovir neurotoxicity: clinical experience and review of the literature.
Acyclovir produces neurologic symptoms that resemble extension of viral infection into the central nervous system. We discuss our observations in the cases of two patients with acyclovir neurotoxicity and review the findings of all previous reports in the English language literature. Systemic disease, most commonly renal dysfunction, preceded all 30 reported cases of acyclovir neurotoxicity. The most common symptoms were mental status disorder and involuntary movements. Measurement of serum acyclovir levels substantiated the diagnosis in only a subset of patients. Although all patients recovered, hemodialysis hastened the rate of recovery.
Department of Neurology, Shands Hospital, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
J C
JC
Adair
M
M
Gold
R E
RE
Bond
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis
D000212:Acyclovir