Thrombocytopenia (nonimmune) drug-induced

Feb 18, 2005 Viewed: 701

Alternative names
Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia; Nonimmune thrombocytopenia - drug-induced

Definition

Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia is a reduction in normally functioning platelets that can be caused by certain drugs.

Platelets are important in forming blood clots. Certain drugs may decrease the number of platelets by damaging the bone marrow where platelets are made. Decreased platelets may cause easy bruising or abnormal bleeding.

Bleeding can be life-threatening if it occurs in the brain or other vital organ. Other drugs can increase the risk of bleeding by preventing platelets from working normally. A common example of this is aspirin.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 7, 2012
by Sharon M. Smith, M.D.

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