Aseptic meningitis, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, and orthostatic hypotension in a patient treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
OBJECTIVE
The case of a patient who developed aseptic meningitis, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, and orthostatic hypotension simultaneously during treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is described.


BACKGROUND
A healthy 37-year-old African- American man was receiving treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole double strength. This was the patient's first experience with trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole, and he was not taking any other medications during the treatment period. He had been taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for approximately eight days when he revisited his family physician, complaining of headaches, dizziness, difficulty with speech, weakness, and itching on the trunk of his body and legs, where a maculopapular rash was noted. Orthostatic hypotension was also noted at that visit, with a standing blood pressure measurement of 95/80 mm Hg. Based on these findings and since the patient had no signs of infection, his physician instructed him to discontinue the drug. The patient was admitted to the emergency department of a local hospital within two days due to ongoing headache, elevated temperature, and nuchal rigidity, symptoms suggestive of meningitis. Because of the presence of hemolysis, the patient underwent testing for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, for which he tested positive. The patient was discharged five days after admission and referred to a hematology clinic for follow-up. The patient has since returned to his routines of daily living and has reported no fatigue or other lingering adverse symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
A 37-year-old African- American man with G6PD deficiency developed hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, orthostatic hypotension, and aseptic meningitis simultaneously after using trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Chisholm-Burns
Marie A
MA
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. chisholm@pharmacy.arizona.edu
Patanwala
Asad E
AE
Spivey
Christina A
CA
D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000892:Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D005955:Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008582:Meningitis, Aseptic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology
D000892:Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination