Acyclovir-induced colitis.
Three patients developed acute colitis, either de novo, or as an exacerbation of pre-existing colitis, following the use of oral acyclovir, prescribed for Herpes zoster or Herpes simplex infection. Rechallenge with oral acyclovir was performed in one patient, and resulted in a recurrence of colitic symptoms. It is speculated that acyclovir can have a direct irritant effect on large bowel mucosa.
Wardle
T D
TD
Department of Medicine, Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Finnerty
J P
JP
Swale
V
V
Beer
T
T
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir