Levofloxacin-induced severe thrombocytopenia

J Med Assoc Thai. 2009 Jun:92 Suppl 3:S69-71.

Abstract

Background: Thrombocytopenia following drug administration is commonly found in clinical practice. Recognition of this condition is important for further management of the patients. Many drugs were reported to be the cause of drug induced thrombocytopenia but levofloxacin was rarely reported.

Case report: We present a seventy-eight-year-old male patient who developed severe thrombocytopenia with hemoptysis after taking levofloxacin for 4 days due to infected bronchiectasis. His platelet count was gradually recovered to normal value after the discontinuation of levofloxacin.

Conclusion: Levofloxacin can cause severe thrombocytopenia. Specific antibody to platelet surface glycoproteins caused by levofloxacin should be further studied to confirm the association.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Hemoptysis / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Levofloxacin*
  • Male
  • Ofloxacin / adverse effects*
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin