Pancytopenia associated with clonazepam

J Hematol Oncol. 2010 Jul 14:3:24. doi: 10.1186/1756-8722-3-24.

Abstract

We report a case of a 48-year-old Chinese female with end-stage renal disease and chronic anemia on hemodialysis. Clonazepam was prescribed for myoclonus disorder two weeks prior to her hospitalization. Subsequently, she was hospitalized for neutropenic fever with thrombocytopenia and worsening anemia. Bone marrow examination demonstrated a markedly hypocellular marrow (10-20% total cellularity). Clonazepam was discontinued, with gradual improvement of thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia in 1-2 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pancytopenia associated with clonazepam. We recommend patients taking clonazepam to be monitored with regular complete blood count to check for clinically significant pancytopenia or thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / complications
  • Anemia / drug therapy*
  • Clonazepam / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • GABA Modulators / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Pancytopenia / diagnosis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • GABA Modulators
  • Clonazepam