Journal article
Acyclovir- and Ganciclovir-Induced Neurotoxicity
Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Vol.32(1), pp.111-113
01/1998
DOI: 10.1345/aph.17135
PMID: 9475829
Abstract
With increasing use of acyclovir and ganciclovir, primarily due to the increased number of AIDS and transplant patients, further cases of neurologic toxicity will undoubtedly be encountered. Discontinuation or dosage reduction of acyclovir and ganciclovir is necessary to manage neurologic toxicity that is directly attributed to either agent. Renal dysfunction is a known risk factor for acyclovir neurotoxicity, and case reports indicate that renal dysfunction may also be a risk factor for ganciclovir neurotoxicity. Since ganciclovir is structurally related to acyclovir, clinicians should monitor for signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity as they would with acyclovir until the risk factors are more clearly defined. Dosage reduction for both agents and increased monitoring should occur when renal dysfunction is present, to minimize the risk of neurotoxicity and other serious adverse effects. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the recommended dosages of acyclovir and ganciclovir, respectively, in the presence of renal dysfunction. However, as a few case reports describe, neurotoxicity from these agents has also occurred in patients with normal renal function. Therefore, clinicians should always remain vigilant in monitoring for signs of neurotoxicity when acyclovir or ganciclovir is administered, and have a high index of suspicion for these agents if neurotoxicity is encountered during therapy.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Acyclovir- and Ganciclovir-Induced Neurotoxicity
- Creators
- Michael E Ernst - University of IowaRodney J Franey - Rodney J Franey PharmD, at time of writing, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist — Adult Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Lowa City; now, Clinical Liaison, Medical Affairs, Roche Laboratories, Inc., Nutley, NJ
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Vol.32(1), pp.111-113
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- DOI
- 10.1345/aph.17135
- PMID
- 9475829
- ISSN
- 1060-0280
- eISSN
- 1542-6270
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/1998
- Academic Unit
- Family and Community Medicine; Pharmacy Practice and Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984297452702771
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