Valacyclovir-induced Neurotoxicity in a Patient With a Preserved Renal Function

Takashi Yoshimura, Tatsuya Kawasaki, Ayumi Shirota, Masashi Saeki, Yuki Okada, Hiroshi Okada

Intern Med. 2018 Nov 1;57(21):3213-3216.

PMID: 29877263

Abstract:

Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, is the first-line treatment for herpes zoster, but the renal function must be monitored, because acyclovir is metabolized by the kidneys. We herein report a case of valacyclovir-induced neurotoxicity with no preceding renal impairment. An 88-year-old man was admitted because of an impaired consciousness after the administration of valacyclovir at 3,000 mg daily for herpes zoster on the chest. His consciousness level gradually improved with hydration and valacyclovir withdrawal. It was later confirmed that the level of acyclovir on admission had been 35.45 μg/mL in the blood and 36.45 μg/mL in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
ALP124832275	Valacyclovir hydrochloride hydrate		124832-27-5 (anhydrous)	Price