Acute Hemolytic Anemia Induced by Levofloxacin in a Woman With G6PD Deficiency: A Case Report

Introduction: Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) is an X-linked recessive disorder recognized as the most prevalent enzyme deficiency around the world. G6PD deficiency has a high prevalence in Iran, especially in the northern regions. As we know, hemolysis in G6PD patients was not reported with levofloxacin previously. Case Report: In this report, we introduce a 54-year-old G6PD deficient woman who experienced the symptoms of hemolytic anemia following completion of treatment with levofloxacin. Result: After ruling out other causes of hemolysis, by using the Naranjo scale, levofloxacin was considered as a possible cause of hemolysis. Conclusion: Though the hemolytic anemia induced by levofloxacin is extremely rare in G6PD deficient patients, drug-induced hemolytic anemia should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses. It would be appropriate to use an alternative antibiotic instead of levofloxacin in a G6PD deficient patient.