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Famciclovir substitution for patients with acyclovir-associated renal toxicity
Tin Han Htwe1, Scott Bergman, Janak Koirala
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, P.O. Box-19636, IL 62794-9636, USA.
The Journal of Infection
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Acyclovir can harm the kidneys. Famciclovir, combined with hydration, effectively treated kidney damage in four patients, leading to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Virology
Background:
- Acyclovir is a common antiviral medication.
- Acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity is a recognized adverse effect.
- Limited data exists on alternative antiviral safety following acyclovir renal toxicity.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with confirmed acyclovir-induced renal toxicity.
- These patients were treated with intravenous hydration and famciclovir.
- Clinical and laboratory parameters were monitored to assess renal function.
Findings:
- All four patients demonstrated significant improvement in renal function post-treatment.
- Complete recovery to baseline renal function was observed in all cases.
- Famciclovir was safely substituted for acyclovir in this cohort.
Implications:
- Famciclovir represents a viable and safe alternative for patients experiencing acyclovir nephrotoxicity.
- This finding supports the use of famciclovir in managing viral infections in patients with compromised renal function due to acyclovir.
- Further research is warranted to establish famciclovir's safety profile in a broader patient population with antiviral-induced kidney injury.
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