All of the following drugs are contraindicated in patients with G-6-PD deficiency, except –
**Core Concept**
G-6-PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to oxidative stress and hemolysis in red blood cells. Certain medications can trigger this condition, making them contraindicated in patients with G-6-PD deficiency.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Primaquine is an antimalarial drug that is known to induce hemolysis in patients with G-6-PD deficiency. It does so by generating reactive oxygen species that deplete the reduced glutathione levels in red blood cells, leading to oxidative stress and hemolysis. The enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is crucial in maintaining the reduced glutathione levels, and its deficiency makes patients more susceptible to primaquine-induced hemolysis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Sulfonamides are also known to cause hemolysis in patients with G-6-PD deficiency. They work by inhibiting the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, which is essential for the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. However, sulfonamides can also induce oxidative stress in red blood cells, leading to hemolysis in patients with G-6-PD deficiency.
**Option B:** Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that are known to cause hemolysis in patients with G-6-PD deficiency. They work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, but they can also induce oxidative stress in red blood cells, leading to hemolysis in patients with G-6-PD deficiency.
**Option C:** Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are known to cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, but they are not typically contraindicated in patients with G-6-PD deficiency. However, aminoglycosides can still cause hemolysis in patients with G-6-PD deficiency, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that patients with G-6-PD deficiency should be screened for G-6-PD deficiency before starting any new medication, especially those that are known to cause hemolysis. A simple screening test can help identify patients at risk, allowing for alternative medications to be prescribed.
**Correct Answer: D. Aminoglycosides.**