Abstract

ACYCLOVIR INDUCED REVERSIBLE ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Sanjana Prabhu P.* and Anuradha H. V.

ABSTRACT

Background: Acyclovir is a selective anti-herpes agent, which acts by inhibiting the viral DNA polymerase. It is well tolerated orally with minor adverse effects like headache, nausea and malaise. Acute kidney injury is an unfortunate event, characterized by a decrease in renal function. Early identification of acute kidney injury is necessary to prevent severe morbidity in the patients. Case description: An elderly male patient diagnosed of genital herpes was started on Tablet Acyclovir, following which there was a rise in serum creatinine by 1.5 times; acyclovir was suspected to cause the rise in serum creatinine levels and hence was advised to stop. Serum creatinine showed a falling trend thereafter and it got back to normal levels 2 days after stopping oral acyclovir. Conclusion: The rapid rise in serum creatinine in this patient coincided with the administration of acyclovir suggestive of nephrotoxic potential of the drug which is reversible. Hence, adequate monitoring of renal function test is essential in patients on acyclovir.

Keywords: Acyclovir, Genital herpes, Serum creatinine, Acute kidney injury.