Acyclovir's neurotoxicity resembles the extension of viral infection into the central nervous system and is most prominent in those with preexisting medical conditions, most commonly renal dysfunction. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Acyclovir neurotoxicity: clinical experience and review of the literature.
South Med J. 1994 Dec;87(12):1227-31. PMID: 7973922
Department of Neurology, Shands Hospital, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Acyclovir produces neurologic symptoms that resemble extension of viral infection into the central nervous system. We discuss our observations in the cases of two patients with acyclovir neurotoxicity and review the findings of all previous reports in the English language literature. Systemic disease, most commonly renal dysfunction, preceded all 30 reported cases of acyclovir neurotoxicity. The most common symptoms were mental status disorder and involuntary movements. Measurement of serum acyclovir levels substantiated the diagnosis in only a subset of patients. Although all patients recovered, hemodialysis hastened the rate of recovery.