With most defects, the hemolysis is mild and self-limited because only the older red cells are involved and the bone marrow can compensate even with continued administration of the implicated drug. The important exception is Gd med , which may cause life-threatening hemolysis. The limited hemolysis in patients with Gd A- may be significant in patients with HIV infection, who often have anemia from other causes. The severity of anemia also depends on the concentration of the drug in red cells and the oxidant potential of the inducing agent. The most likely offending agents are dapsone and primaquine.
Sulfonamides cause hemolysis less commonly.
G6-PD deficiency may be partial, in which case the contraindication for oxidant drugs is relative. The Johns Hopkins University on behalf of its Division of Infectious Diseases and AIDS Service. All rights reserved. Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained in this site because no single reference or service can take the place of medical training, education, and experience. Consumers are cautioned that this site is not intended to provide medical advice about any specific medical condition they may have or treatment they may need and they are encouraged to call or see their physician or other health care provider promptly with any health related questions they may have.