Ranitidine-induced thrombocytopenia: A rare drug reaction

H ₂ antagonist ranitidine causing thrombocytopenia is a rare drug phenomenon. Here we present a case of 55 year old female of pustular psoriasis who presented with fever and vomiting. Patient. was started on roxithromycin, iv ondensetron, paracetamol and iv ranitidine. Complete blood count revealed neutrophilia with normal blood picture. However repeat investigations showed falling WBC and platelet count. After excluding other causes of pancytopenia we concluded that ranitidine was the cause for this atypical drug reaction, more so when the blood picture improved within 72 hrs of ranitidine withdrawal.