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Nafcillin-induced neutropenia in two children
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Nafcillin can cause neutropenia (low white blood cell count) in children. Discontinuing nafcillin and switching to other antibiotics like dicloxacillin or cefazolin resolved neutropenia in two pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neutropenia is a potential adverse effect of certain antibiotic therapies.
- Nafcillin is a penicillinase-resistant penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of neutropenia developed after prolonged nafcillin administration.
- In both cases, neutropenia resolved after nafcillin was discontinued and alternative antibiotics were initiated.
Findings:
- The first patient developed severe neutropenia after 22 days of nafcillin, which resolved with dicloxacillin.
- The second patient developed neutropenia after 10 days of nafcillin, which resolved with cefazolin.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should monitor white blood cell counts in children receiving nafcillin.
- Discontinuation of nafcillin and consideration of alternative non-penicillin antimicrobials are recommended if neutropenia occurs.