title: Carbamazepine. What physicians should know about its hematologic effects.
abstract: Transient leukopenia and, less commonly, neutropenia may occur with carbamazepine therapy. Discontinuation of therapy is usually not indicated unless symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by infection. Patients with a low leukocyte or neutrophil count before treatment may be at increased risk for carbamazepine-induced leukopenia or neutropenia. Careful monitoring of blood counts, particularly during the first month of therapy, is essential. The frequency of monitoring can be determined on an individual basis. If a hematologic abnormality develops, the frequency of monitoring should be increased, especially if carbamazepine is not discontinued. Only when the neutrophil count falls below 500/mm3 does a severe risk of infection exist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington 40536-0226.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Bertolino
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D004049:Diethylcarbamazine