Sudden onset agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity after taking methimazole.
Agranulocytosis is a rare adverse effect of methimazole. The usual duration of treatment prior to the onset of agranulocytosis is approximately 1 to 4 months, and can be as long as 1 year. Agranulocytosis together with hepatotoxicity is an extremely rare idiosyncratic side effect of methimazole treatment. We present an unprecedented case of a Grave's disease patient who showed a strong reaction to methimazole with obvious agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity which developed only six days after administration. This case, along with a literature review, is offered with the aim to increase the awareness of physicians of sudden onset agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity from methimazole.
Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, China.
Jing
J
Yang
Jing
J
Zhong
Ling-Zhi
LZ
Zhou
Tao
T
Hong
Xin-Hua
XH
Xiao
Ge-Bo
GB
Wen
D000328:Adult; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008713:Methimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D008713:Methimazole