Nausea and vomiting possibly associated with intravenous acyclovir

Nausea and vomiting have not been clearly associated with parenteral acyclovir. We report a pediatric patient who developed nausea and vomiting apparently associated with intravenous acyclovir therapy. The child received acyclovir (1500 mg/m2/d) for treatment of recurrent varicella zoster with possible dissemination. Nausea and vomiting could be attributed only to acyclovir therapy. Discontinuing the drug resulted in a resolution of the adverse symptoms. Adverse effects of parenteral acyclovir can mimic the early manifestations of Reye's syndrome, which is an important consideration in children with viral infections. It is necessary to distinguish the cause of nausea and vomiting for proper management of patients.