Final answer:
Aplastic anemia can be induced by certain medications including chloramphenicol, alkylation agents such as cyclophosphamide, and antimetabolites like methotrexate. Benzene exposure is also associated with the development of aplastic anemia. Healthcare monitoring is crucial for patients on these medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by the insufficient production of red blood cell (RBC) stem cells, which may be inherited or induced by external factors such as radiation, medication, chemotherapy, or infection. Among the drugs that can induce aplastic anemia are chloramphenicol, alkylation agents like cyclophosphamide, and antimetabolites such as methotrexate. Additionally, exposure to benzene, found in various industrial products, is also associated with causing aplastic anemia.
The specific drugs mentioned in the question that are known to induce aplastic anemia include:
- Chloramphenicol, an antibiotic which can lead to bone marrow suppression.
- Alkylation agents, which include cyclophosphamide and other chemotherapy drugs, that have a toxic effect on bone marrow.
- Antimetabolites such as methotrexate and fluorouracil, which are used in chemotherapy and can also impair bone marrow function.
It is important for healthcare providers to monitor patients who are prescribed these medications for signs of aplastic anemia and adjust treatment as necessary.