Which one of the following drugs/drug classes is the MOST COMMON cause of drug-induced hemolytic anemia?

Each of the drugs/drug classes listed above have been known to cause drug-induced hemolytic anemia, although cephalosporins are the MOST COMMON cause. Cephalosporins can cause drug-induced hemolytic anemia when a patient produces antibodies to the particular cephalosporin drug in the presence of red blood cells. The drugs can alter the membrane appearance of the red blood cells, causing the body to mistake them as foreign. Complement becomes activated due to these antibodies; red cells are then destroyed causing hemolytic anemia. Dark urine, caused by intravascular hemolysis, is one of the most common symptoms associated with this condition.

Which one of the following drugs/drug classes is the MOST COMMON cause of drug-induced hemolytic anemia?
A . Levodopa
B. Quinidine
C. Cephalosporins
D. Levofloxacin
E. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

View Answer

Answer: C