G6PD is an important enzyme (protein) in your body that protects your red blood cells from damage. However, if you have G6PD deficiency, your body makes a smaller amount of G6PD, which can lead to anemia.
Fortunately, most people with G6PD deficiency don’t have problems most of the time. But certain medications and foods can increase the rate of red blood cell breakdown and trigger anemia.
Let’s review some of the common things you should avoid if you have this blood disorder.
If you have G6PD deficiency, you shouldn’t take antibiotics known as “sulfa” drugs. These antibiotics are typically used to treat skin or urinary tract infections. Septra and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) are some common brand names you might encounter.
You should also avoid “quinolone“ antibiotics. Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (levofloxacin) are two popular medications in this group. They are often used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia in adults.
Nitrofurantoin and dapsone are additional antibiotics to avoid.
The good news? Many other antibiotics are safe for people with G6PD deficiency. Talk to your doctor if you have G6PD deficiency and need to take antibiotics. They can tell you what’s safe to take.
Sulfa drugs, including Septra and BactrimQuinolones, including Cipro and Levaquin. NitrofurantoinDapsone
If you need to take antibiotics, make sure your doctor knows you have G6PD deficiency.
Because of this potential complication, experts recommend extra precautions. They recommend testing people for G6PD deficiency before they take primaquine. This includes testing breastfeeding infants whose mothers take primaquine.
Fortunately, many people with G6PD deficiency can tolerate other malaria medications.
However, rasburicase can trigger red blood cell breakdown in people with G6PD deficiency. For this reason, experts recommend screening for the condition before using rasburicase.
But it’s important to know that aspirin is also in many over-the-counter medicines, including:
AnacinBufferinEcotrinExcedrinBC PowdersGoody’s PowdersPepto-Bismol
Looking for alternatives for pain relief doesn’t have to be difficult, though. Other over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen don’t cause issues with G6PD.
Naphthalene can also be in fumigants (pesticides), especially those used to keep snakes away.
Naphthalene is a vapor (gas) given off by these products. So you could be exposed to the chemical by inhaling the vapor or ingesting products that contain it.
Some people recommend removing all legumes (such as beans, peas, lentils, or peanuts) from your diet. But it’s not clear if completely avoiding all legumes is actually necessary.
Summary
G6PD is an inherited form of hemolytic anemia that can cause damage to your red blood cells. Many people with G6PD deficiency don’t experience any symptoms at all on a daily basis.
That said, there are some medications and foods you should avoid if you have this condition. Certain antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-malarial medications can trigger red blood cell breakdown. Likewise, fava beans have a similar reaction and are best to avoid as well.
This is not a complete list of items you should avoid if you have G6PD deficiency. There are other medications that only cause red cell breakdown if taken in high doses. Others only trigger problems in specific types of G6PD deficiency.
Tell your doctor about any new medications you’re taking. They can let you know whether the medications are safe to take with G6PD deficiency.
