Systemic side effects of antiviral therapy in a patient with acute retinal necrosis.

Purpose: To report a case of Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)-developed nephrotoxicity during intravenous acyclovir treatment and toxic hepatitis during oral valacyclovir treatment.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: Retrospective chart review.

Results: A 45-year-old male with ARN treated with intravenous acyclovir developed nephrotoxicity. After switching to oral valacyclovir, toxic hepatitis developed. Both renal and liver function tests returned to normal levels after drug cessation

Conclusions: Although rare, clinicians should be aware of the potential nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic side effects of antiviral therapy during ARN treatment.