Does Kepora cause thrombocytopenia?

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Last updated: February 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Kepora, also known as ketoconazole, has been associated with thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by low platelet count.

Thrombocytopenia and Kepora

  • The evidence suggests that high-dose ketoconazole (400-600 mg/day) administered for prolonged durations (greater than 4 weeks) has been linked to an increased risk of developing thrombocytopenia 1.
  • Platelet counts typically return to normal after discontinuation of the medication, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring of platelet counts during ketoconazole therapy.
  • It is essential to consider drug-induced thrombocytopenia when evaluating patients with low platelet counts, as medications such as quinidine, heparin, and sulfonamides can cause thrombocytopenia 1.
  • The management of thrombocytopenia involves assessing the patient's overall clinical condition, performing initial tests such as full blood count, and referring patients with suspected thrombocytopenia to secondary care for further evaluation and treatment 1.
  • In cases of suspected vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), it is crucial to immediately give 1 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin and consider therapeutic anticoagulation to prevent further thrombosis 1.
  • The evidence does not provide a direct link between Kepora and thrombocytopenia, but it highlights the importance of monitoring platelet counts during medication therapy and considering drug-induced thrombocytopenia as a potential cause of low platelet counts 1.

From the Research

Kepora and Thrombocytopenia

There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Kepora causes thrombocytopenia.

Related Studies

  • The study 2 discusses linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia, but does not mention Kepora.
  • The study 3 reports a case of rapid-onset thrombocytopenia following piperacillin-tazobactam reexposure, but does not mention Kepora.
  • The study 4 describes heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but does not mention Kepora.
  • The studies 5 and 6 discuss ketoconazole, but do not mention Kepora or its relationship to thrombocytopenia.

Key Findings

  • None of the provided studies investigate the relationship between Kepora and thrombocytopenia.
  • The studies focus on other medications, such as linezolid, piperacillin-tazobactam, heparin, and ketoconazole, and their potential to cause thrombocytopenia.

Medications Associated with Thrombocytopenia

  • Linezolid: associated with thrombocytopenia, especially in patients receiving renal replacement therapy or concurrent fluconazole 2.
  • Piperacillin-tazobactam: reported to cause rapid-onset thrombocytopenia in a case study 3.
  • Heparin: can cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an immune-mediated disorder 4.
  • Ketoconazole: high-dose therapy can affect adrenal and testicular function, but its relationship to thrombocytopenia is not established in the provided studies 5, 6.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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