When a Seemingly Harmless Prescription Turns into Toxicity

Valacyclovir neurotoxicity is commonly seen in the elderly and those with impaired renal function. Differential diagnosis can be challenging as a myriad of medical conditions, including herpes zoster virus associated encephalitis, may present in a similar fashion. We present a case of a 71-year-old...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zurab Azmaiparashvili, Kevin Bryan Lo, Nawal Habib, Annie Hsieh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2018-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Medicine
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/9724390
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Summary:Valacyclovir neurotoxicity is commonly seen in the elderly and those with impaired renal function. Differential diagnosis can be challenging as a myriad of medical conditions, including herpes zoster virus associated encephalitis, may present in a similar fashion. We present a case of a 71-year-old male who presented with altered mental status in the setting of recent herpes zoster eruption. His condition was attributed to valacyclovir neurotoxicity, and initiation of appropriate supportive therapy was met with complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of cognitive function.
ISSN:1687-9627
1687-9635