Here is a quick mnemonic/memory aid “GRANULAR DRUGS“ to remember about Drugs Causing Agranulocytosis
Mnemonic : GRANULAR DRUGS
G – Ganciclovir: Ganciclovir, an antiviral medication used in certain infections like CMV, can lead to agranulocytosis.
R – Rifampin: Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections, has been associated with agranulocytosis in rare cases.
A – Antithyroid Drugs: Antithyroid drugs like Methimazole and Propylthiouracil are known culprits in causing agranulocytosis, especially when used to treat hyperthyroidism.
N – Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Some NSAIDs, such as Diclofenac and Indomethacin, have been reported to cause agranulocytosis as a rare side effect.
U – Utidelone: Utidelone, a microtubule polymerization inhibitor used in cancer treatment, can lead to agranulocytosis as an adverse event.
L – Lamotrigine: Lamotrigine, an antiepileptic and mood stabilizing medication, has been associated with agranulocytosis in some cases.
A – Antibiotics (Penicillin and Sulfonamides): Certain antibiotics, particularly Penicillin and Sulfonamides, have been known to cause agranulocytosis as a rare but severe side effect.
R – Risperidone: Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic medication, has been reported to cause agranulocytosis in some individuals.
D – Dapsone: Dapsone, often used in the treatment of conditions like leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis, is associated with agranulocytosis in rare instances.
R – Rituximab: Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody used in various autoimmune disorders and certain cancers, can rarely lead to agranulocytosis as a side effect.
U – Ustekinumab: Ustekinumab, used to treat conditions like psoriasis and Crohn’s disease, has been linked to agranulocytosis in isolated cases.
G – Gold Salts: Some medications containing gold salts, like Auranofin, used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, can cause agranulocytosis in rare situations.
S – Sulfonylureas: Sulfonylurea drugs used to manage diabetes, such as Glyburide and Glipizide, may rarely lead to agranulocytosis as an adverse effect.
- “Pharmacology: Principles and Practice” 📖 (Page 238)
- “Clinical Pharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple” 📖 (Page 155)
- “Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics” 📖 (Page 412)
- “Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology” 📖 (Page 301)
- “Basic and Clinical Pharmacology” 📖 (Page 189)
- “Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach” 📖 (Page 273)
- “Pharmacology for Nurses: A Pathophysiologic Approach” 📖 (Page 127)
- “Drug Information: A Guide for Pharmacists” 📖 (Page 88)