Ibopamine-induced reversible leukopenia during treatment for congestive heart failure

Reversible leukopenia was documented in an 81-year-old woman treated with adjunctive ibopamine 100 mg t.i.d. for chronic congestive heart failure. Her antecedent medical history included stable, mild renal function impairment, mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation, recurrent transient ischaemic attacks and cholelithiasis. The drugs concomitantly used were digoxin, isosorbide dinitrate, frusemide, urapidil and chlorthalidone in conjunction with oral potassium substitution. Upon withdrawal of ibopamine but continuation of all other drugs, the patient recovered from the blood dyscrasia within 5 days and showed resolution of symptoms. Measurements of protected isolation and selective intestinal decontamination were taken. No complications resulting from secondary infection occurred. After withdrawal of ibopamine and under continuation of all other concomitant medications her body weight continued to decrease during the following few days, her symptoms were alleviated and she was discharge to a nursing home.