Acyclovir occasionally causes nausea or vomiting, upper abdominal pain, headaches, or exanthema. In approximately 1% of the treated patients, an encephalopathy (lethargy, confusion, agitation, cramps) can be observed after intravenous administration. An increase of the liver enzymes has been reported occasionally.

High dose acyclovir treatment (especially intravenous) can lead to the rise of plasma creatinine and plasma urea or even to acute renal failure. The problem lies in crystal depositions in the renal tubules.

The ointments can cause topical reactions (itching, burning). Paravenous injections cause severe topical inflammations, possibly with skin lesions.

Acyclovir: Interactions

Probenecid delays the renal excretion of acyclovir.

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