Your cart is currently empty!
Understanding drug reactions affecting hematologic parameters is critical for USMLE Step 1 preparation. This guide outlines causal agents, mechanisms, and mnemonic aids to enhance memorization.
Reaction | Causal Agents | Mnemonic/Notes |
---|---|---|
Agranulocytosis | Dapsone, Clozapine, Carbamazepine, Propylthiouracil, Methimazole, Colchicine, Ganciclovir | Mnemonic: Drugs Can Cause Pretty Major Collapse of Granulocytes |
Aplastic anemia | Carbamazepine, Methimazole, NSAIDs, Benzene, Chloramphenicol, Propylthiouracil | Mnemonic: Can’t Make New Blood Cells Properly |
Direct Coombs ⊕ hemolytic anemia | Penicillin, Methyldopa, Cephalosporins | Mnemonic: P Diddy Coombs |
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) | Allopurinol, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, sulfa drugs | Notes: Delayed hypersensitivity (2–8 weeks latency). Features: fever, rash, multiorgan involvement. Treatment: withdrawal, corticosteroids |
Gray baby syndrome | Chloramphenicol | Due to immature UDP-glucuronosyltransferase in neonates |
Hemolysis in G6PD deficiency | Isoniazid, Sulfonamides, Dapsone, Primaquine, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Nitrofurantoin | Mnemonic: Hemolysis IS D PAIN |
Megaloblastic anemia | Hydroxyurea, Phenytoin, Methotrexate, Sulfa drugs | Mnemonic: You’re having a mega blast with PMS |
Thrombocytopenia | Heparin, Vancomycin, Linezolid, Quinidine, Indinavir, Ganciclovir, Abciximab | Increased risk of bleeding due to platelet depletion |
Thrombotic complications | Combined oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, SERMs (e.g., Tamoxifen) | Estrogen-mediated pro-thrombotic effect |