title: Acyclovir-induced colitis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Wardle
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Finnerty
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Swale
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Beer
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir