Hepatitis and Hemolytic Anemia Associated with Methyldopa Therapy

Abstract

A case of simultaneous hepatitis and hemolytic anemia is reported in a patient who had been taking methyldopa for seven years before the onset of symptoms. Although either one of these reactions may accompany methyldopa therapy, reported cases of both problems occuring simultaneously in one patient are rare. The mechanisms responsible for these adverse reactions have not been fully explained, but there is the possibility of multisystem involvement. A brief review of the literature is included.