Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
Transient neutropenia in a patient receiving cimetidine
Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, can cause transient neutropenia in hemodialysis patients. This likely results from peripheral granulocyte destruction, differing from marrow depression seen with metiamide.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are used to treat peptic ulcers.
- Cimetidine is a commonly prescribed H2 receptor antagonist.
- Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis may have altered drug metabolism and increased susceptibility to adverse effects.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male on maintenance hemodialysis developed transient neutropenia.
- The patient was being treated with cimetidine for an intractable duodenal ulcer.
- This adverse event was noted during routine monitoring.
Findings:
- The neutropenia was transient, indicating a temporary reduction in neutrophils.
- The probable mechanism involved peripheral destruction of the granulocyte series.
- This contrasts with the bone marrow depression observed with metiamide, another H2 receptor antagonist.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for cimetidine-induced neutropenia in hemodialysis patients.
- Monitoring of blood counts may be warranted in this patient population.
- Understanding the mechanism of neutropenia can guide management and drug selection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction

