Facts about G6PD

G6PD Deficiency is when someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells. It mainly affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. The most common early detection for this is Newborn Screening after 24hrs of life after birth. G6PD is a genetic disorder that occurs most often in males.

Medical problem associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency:

• Hemolytic Anemia. Occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. Manifestation of this problem is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark urine, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a rapid heart rate.
•  Mild to severe jaundice in newborns. Many people with this disorder, however, never experience any signs or symptoms.

How common is G6PD?  An estimated 400 million people worldwide have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Mostly occurs in certain parts of Africa, Asia and Mediterranean.

Drugs that can cause hemolysis  in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

• ANTIBIOTICS 

               Sulfonamides
               Trimethoprin
               Sulfamethoxazole
               Nalidixic Acid
               Chloramphenicol
               Nitrofurantoin
               Antimalarials; Primaquine, Chloroquine, Quinacrine

• CHEMICALS

               Phenylhydrazine
               Naphthalene

• OTHERS

               Phenacetin
               Vitamin K analogs
               Methylene Blue
               Probenecid
               Acetylsalicylic Acid (e.g. aspirin, aspilet)
               Phenazopyridine

• ILLNESSES

               Diabetic Acidosis
               Hepatitis
               Sepsis

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G6PD drugs to Avoid