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Hydrochlorothiazide-induced thrombocytopenic purpura
Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause thrombocytopenic purpura, a condition of low platelets. Discontinuing the drug led to symptom resolution and normal platelet count in a hypertension patient.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a common diuretic prescribed for hypertension.
- Thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male on hydrochlorothiazide developed epistaxis and malaise.
- Peripheral blood smear revealed a significant reduction in platelets.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of hydrochlorothiazide resulted in complete symptom resolution and normalization of platelet count within two weeks.
- Experimental data suggest an antigen-antibody reaction mechanism for this drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
Implications:
- Early recognition and discontinuation of hydrochlorothiazide are crucial for managing drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Corticosteroid therapy may be considered to shorten the duration of thrombocytopenia.