Tag: Macrocytic anemia

Approximately 21.6% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop red blood cell macrocytosis during methotrexate treatment, a condition where red blood cells are abnormally large. This statistic underscores the critical question: **does methotrexate cause macrocytic anemia** and what measures can mitigate this risk?

Over 100,000 Americans, including many with sickle cell disease, rely on hydroxyurea for long-term treatment. For these patients, a common and expected side effect is a change in blood cell size, leading some to question, "Can hydroxyurea cause macrocytic anemia?" The answer is yes, and it is a well-documented consequence of the drug's mechanism of action, though it is not caused by vitamin deficiency.

In one study, drug-induced macrocytosis accounted for 12.9% of cases evaluated [1.2.1]. This highlights the importance of understanding **what drugs cause macrocytic anemia** and how they impact red blood cell production through various mechanisms, including vitamin B12 and folate interference [1.2.1, 1.3.2].

Medication-induced macrocytic anemia, characterized by abnormally large red blood cells, is a known but often under-recognized adverse effect. While many drugs can be implicated, certain antibiotics can disrupt essential pathways, leading to this condition. This article explores **what antibiotics cause macrocytic anemia**, focusing on the mechanisms and specific culprits.