What is drug-induced agranulocytosis?
Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a life-threatening side effect that usually manifests as a severe form of neutropenia associated with fever or signs of sepsis. It can occur as a problem in the context of therapy with a wide variety of drug classes.
Which drugs cause agranulocytosis?
Drugs that can cause agranulocytosis include: antithyroid medications, such as carbimazole and methimazole (Tapazole) anti-inflammatory medications, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), dipyrone (Metamizole), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) antipsychotics, such as clozapine (Clozaril)
What is a agranulocytosis?
Listen to pronunciation. (ay-GRAN-yoo-loh-sy-TOH-sis) A serious condition that occurs when there is an extremely low number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood. Granulocytes are an important part of the immune system and help the body fight infection.
What is the difference between agranulocytosis and leukopenia?
Agranulocytosis, also known as agranulosis or granulopenia, is an acute condition involving a severe and dangerous lowered white blood cell count (leukopenia, most commonly of neutrophils) and thus causing a neutropenia in the circulating blood.
What drug causes leukopenia?
Medications that can cause leukopenia include:
- bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- clozapine (Clozaril)
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
- interferons.
- lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- minocycline (Minocin)
- mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
- penicillin.
What causes agranulocytosis?
Acquired agranulocytosis is almost invariably caused by exposure to drugs and/or chemicals. Any chemical or drug that depresses the activity of the bone marrow may cause agranulocytosis. Some drugs cause this reaction in anyone given large enough doses.
Which antipsychotic medication causes agranulocytosis?
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent that has several advantages over conventional antipsychotics, not least of which is its superior efficacy. However, the high risk of agranulocytosis (0.8% of patients) associated with clozapine therapy has resulted in restricted indications for its use.
What is the difference between neutropenia and agranulocytosis?
To be precise, neutropenia is the term normally used to describe absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) of less than 500 cells per microlitre, whereas agranulocytosis is reserved for cases with ANCs of less than 100 cells per microlitre.
What is the difference between leukocytosis and leukopenia?
Leukocytosis is an elevation in the absolute WBC count (>10,000 cells/μL). Leukopenia is a reduction in the WBC count (<3500 cells/μL).
Why does clozapine cause agranulocytosis?
Clozapine is associated with a relatively high risk of low white blood cells (agranulocytosis), a condition of suppressed immunity which may result in death. To decrease this risk, it is recommended that the white blood cell count be regularly monitored. Nov 10 2019
Does clozapine cause agranulocytosis?
Drugs that can cause agranulocytosis include: antithyroid medications, such as carbimazole and methimazole ( Tapazole ) anti-inflammatory medications, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), dipyrone ( Metamizole ), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) antipsychotics, such as clozapine (Clozaril)
How is agranulocytosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing agranulocytosis is done through a simple blood test to check the number of white blood cells in the blood. Typically, doctors diagnose agranulocytosis when the number of neutrophils (granulocytes), known as the absolute neutrophil count ( ANC ), is less than 100 per microliter (mcL) of blood.
Does lithium cause agranulocytosis?
Agranulocytosis is found among people who take Lithium carbonate, especially for people who are male, 40-49 old , have been taking the drug for 1 – 6 months, also take medication Clozapine , and have Schizophrenia.