Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an abnormality of erythrocyte metabolism associated with hemolytic anemia. Pharmocologic agents which induce hemolysis include which of the following?

a. Acetylsalicylic acid

c. Sulfamethoxazole

e. Nitrofurantoin

Generally, G6PD deficiency is not clinically apparent; hemolytic anemia occurs in most patients only after the consumption of certain medications or exposure to specific chemicals. A partial list of oxidizing agents known to induce acute hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency follows:

Acetylsalicylic acid (high dose)

Phenacetin

Nitrofurantoin

Sulfamethoxazole

Doxorubicin

Nalidixic acid

Acetanilid Primaquine

Phenazopyridine

Methylene blue Niridazole

Furazolidone

Fava beans 

Splenectomy is rarely indicated in patients with G6PD deficiency. Management generally is adequate simply by avoiding exposure to precipitating agents. Vitamin E and desferrioxamine may be therapeutic for G6PD deficient patients, presumably related to their antioxidant activity.