DRUG INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA

thrombocytopenia image healthtips images

Thrombocytopenia is a condition where blood platelets count is less than 150,000 per cubic mm (normal range: 150,000 to 450,000). Symptoms are bruising in forearms, nose bleedings, gum bleedings, pinpoint red spots on lower legs. Severe cases involve hemorrhages, bleeding stomach and blood in stool.

Some drugs play a role in causing thrombocytopenia: quetiapine (Seroquel), olanzapine (Zyprexa), clozapine (Clozaril), pantoprazole (Pantoloc), citalopram (Celexa), clopidogrel (Plavix), heparin, valproic acid, interferon, sulfonamide antibiotics.  

Although relatively rare, drug-induced thrombocytopenia may be associated with risks of morbidity and mortality.