J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2014 Jun;18(2):85-88. 10.4235/jkgs.2014.18.2.85.

Valacyclovir-Induced Neurotoxicity in a Maintenance Hemodialysis Patient

• Hwang JS
• Song HY
• Jo HG
• Lee SI
• Lim BH
• Song JS
• Ahn SH

• KMID: 1708451
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2014.18.2.85

Abstract

Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral agent used in the treatment of herpesvirus infection. Although neuropsychiatric symptoms may accompany the use of this drug, valacyclovir is increasingly used to treat herpes zoster, as it is more effective when orally administered. This paper reports one case of neurotoxicity of valacyclovir in patients with end stage renal disease who were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Valacyclovir can induce life-threatening neurotoxicity, especially in end stage renal disease patients despite the appropriate dose reduction. Furthermore, Valacyclovir-induced neurotoxicity can be effectively managed by intensive hemodialysis.

Keyword

End-stage renal disease; Hemodialysis; Neurotoxicity; Valacyclovir

MeSH Terms

Herpes Zoster
Herpesviridae Infections
Humans
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Renal Dialysis*