drug-induced eosinophilia

Last edited 02/2023 and last reviewed 02/2023

  • drugs that may cause raised eosinophil count include (1,2,3,4):

    • antimicrobials
      • such as penicillins, cephalosporins, nitrofurantoin, tetracyclines, daptomycin, fluoroquinolones

    • sulphonamides
      • such as sulfasalazine, septrin, dapsone

    • ranitidine

    • allopurinol

    • angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

    • anticonvulsants
      • such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine

    • antiretrovirals
      • nevirapine, abacavir

    • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    • methotrexate

    • interleukin-2 (IL-2)

Factors such as intercurrent steroid treatment and bacterial or viral infection can transiently lower eosinophil counts (4)

Reference:

  • Felig P et al (2001) Endocrinology and Metabolism. McGraw-Hill.
  • Hart FD (Ed) (2005). French's Index of Differential Diagnosis.
  • NHS Camden CCG. Abnormal FBC guidance - for adults (Accessed 30/10/19)
  • Thakker C, Booth H L, Lambert J, Morgan S, Checkley A M. Investigating eosinophilia BMJ 2023; 380 :e070295 doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-070295