Which medications and viruses are known to lead to aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate amounts of blood cells, leading to pancytopenia. Certain medications and viruses are well-documented to be associated with the development of this disorder.

Chloramphenicol, an antibiotic, has been implicated in causing aplastic anemia due to its potential to cause idiosyncratic reactions that lead to bone marrow suppression. Sulfonamides, another class of antibiotics, can also induce aplastic anemia, particularly in individuals with certain susceptibilities or existing health conditions that predispose them to this side effect.

Both of these agents can cause direct toxicity to the bone marrow or generate immune-mediated effects that result in the destruction of hematopoietic stem cells. The link between specific medications and bone marrow suppression helps to explain the occurrence of aplastic anemia in patients undergoing treatment with these drugs.

In contrast, the other medications listed—such as over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin—are generally not associated with inducing aplastic anemia. Similarly, the other options involving antibiotics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers do not have a recognized association with this hematologic condition. This association with chloramphenicol and sulfon