Ranitidine and Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Objective:

To provide an overview of thrombocytopenia, focusing on ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia.

Data Sources:

References were selected from published bibliographies of books, case reports, and topical searches in the MEDLINE database (English language, through 1994) on thrombocytopenia, ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia, and cimetidine-induced thrombocytopenia.

Study Selection:

All reports of ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia have been published as case reports. All reports were given equal weight because none involved a rechallenge. Only human data were included. There was only one case of a patient receiving ranitidine after experiencing cimetidine-induced thrombocytopenia.

Data Synthesis:

Literature systematically examining the incidence and cause of ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia is lacking. No cases of rechallenge have been reported, thus raising the concern of effect versus association.

Conclusions:

Ranitidine has been reported to induce thrombocytopenia by several different mechanisms. Although the incidence of ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia is relatively rare, healthcare providers need to be aware of this possible adverse drug reaction.