Cimetidine-Induced Neutropenia

Authors:
  • DPDavid N. Posnett
    David N. Posnett
  • RSRichard S. Stein
    Richard S. Stein
  • SGStanley E. Graber
    Stanley E. Graber
  • SKSanford B. Krantz
    Sanford B. Krantz
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Abstract
Neutropenia associated with high-dose cimetidine therapy developed in a patient in whom earlier therapy, as well as rechallenge with low-dose cimetidine, did not result in neutropenia. As other factors cannot be implicated, a dose-related toxicity of cimetidine appears likely. Although the mechanism of cimetidine-induced neutropenia is unknown, it may involve the previously demonstrated ability of histamine H2receptor antagonists to block the histamine-induced initiation of DNA synthesis in bone marrow stem cells. (Arch Intern Med139:584-586, 1979)