Thrombocytopenia

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP) is commonly attributed to antimicrobial agents; 153 drugs are believed to have a high probability of causing immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Rifampin is categorized as a definite cause of DITP. Median time to presentation with thrombocytopenia after rifampin exposure is 1 to 2 weeks. DITP in current medical practice largely remains a clinical diagnosis. The therapy for DITP is discontinuation of the offending agent. Although DITP is associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality, the possibility of completely reversing it by discontinuing the offending agent indicates that an accurate and timely diagnosis is vital.