Famciclovir as an antiviral agent for a patient with acute renal failure.

CASE: Acyclovir is a widely administered medication for viral infection but is well known for its nephrotoxicity. To date, few studies regarding the safety of alternative antiviral agents have been reported. This study reports the case of a patient with renal dysfunction who suffers from acute herpes zoster (shingles) on her back. While renal function deteriorated with the use of acyclovir, the patient's symptoms improved and baseline renal function recovered when she was treated with famciclovir. CONCLUSIONS: Famciclovir could be taken as a first-line antiviral agent for patients with acute renal failure.