Antipsychotics and neutropoenia: An update

Neutropoenia is a decrease below fi gures deemed normal in the peripheral blood count of neutrophils. For adults the normal neutrophil count varies between 1800 and 8100 neutrophils/ mm [1]. Most cases of neutropoenia in the adult are acquired and due to an increased destruction of granulocytes. Drugs are a common reason for neutropoenia of central origin. The risk of neutropoenia and other blood dyscrasias associated with multiple routinely used drugs is well known. Despite this, the use of these drugs is deemed acceptable if the clinical benefi t for the patient is documented and side effects are controlled [2].