7 Things You Should Avoid If You Have G6PD Deficiency

People with G6PD deficiency can tolerate most antibiotics but should be aware of a select few that can initiate significant red blood cell breakdown leading to anemia. Antibiotics referred to as "sulfa" drugs should be avoided. These antibiotics are typically used to treat skin or urinary tract (bladder) infections. The most common form of these antibiotics goes by the brand names Septra or Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim).

The "quinolone" antibiotics should also be avoided. The two most common antibiotics in this group are Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (levofloxacin). These antibiotics are commonly used in adults to treat urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Other antibiotics that should be avoided include nitrofurantoin and dapsone. Fortunately, there are many antibiotics that people with G6PD deficiency can take safely.

Primaquine, a medication used to treat or prevent malaria, can trigger hemolytic crises in people with G6PD deficiency. Because of this possible complication, it is recommended that people be tested for G6PD deficiency prior to taking primaquine. This includes breastfeeding infants whose mothers take primaquine. Fortunately, other medications used to treat malaria are tolerated by most people with G6PD deficiency.

Rasburicase is a medication used to treat tumor lysis syndrome, a medical complication of hematologic cancers like leukemia, should not be used in people with G6PD deficiency. Because of this risk, it is recommended that people be tested prior to receiving rasburicase. Similarly, doxorubicin, a type of chemotherapy used to treat multiple types of cancer, can trigger red blood cell breakdown in people with certain types of G6PD deficiency.

Aspirin, commonly used to treat pain or inflammation, should be avoided. Some people take aspirin daily as part of their treatment regimen. When avoiding aspirin, it is important to remember that it is found in many over the counter medications like Anacin, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Excedrin, BC Powders and Goody's Powders. It is also found in Pepto-Bismol. In general other over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are tolerated without issues.

Yes, people still use mothballs. Mothballs can contain a chemical known as naphthalene which can trigger hemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Naphthalene can also be found in fumigants, particularly those used to keep snakes away. Naphthalene is a vapor given off by these products so exposure may come from inhaling the vapor or ingesting them.

There are case reports published indicating henna (used for temporary tattoos or hair dye) has triggered hemolytic crises in people with G6PD deficiency. Newborns under the age of 2 months appear to be more susceptible to this reaction.

G6PD deficiency is also called favism; particularly the most severe forms of G6PD deficiency. This is because the ingestion of fava beans (also known as broad beans) can trigger hemolytic attacks in patients with G6PD deficiency. Some suggest that all legumes (such as peas, lentils, or peanuts) be avoided, but whether or not this is actually needed is unknown.