Question:

Which cephalosporin characteristically causes thrombocytopenia?

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Pair low platelets and low neutrophils with the antipseudomonal third-generation agent.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Cefixime
  • Ceftazidime
  • Cefoperazone
  • Cefdinir
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Cephalosporins share a class of adverse effects (hypersensitivity, diarrhea, superinfection) but several individual agents have signature toxicities. Recognising the drug tied to a specific effect is the key to this question.

Step 2: Ceftazidime is the cephalosporin classically linked with haematological suppression, producing neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. That makes option b the correct answer.

Step 3: The distractors carry different signatures. Cefoperazone (like ceftriaxone, cefamandole and moxalactam) is associated with hypoprothrombinaemia and bleeding from its methylthiotetrazole side chain and biliary excretion, plus a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, but not specifically thrombocytopenia. Cefixime and cefdinir are oral third-generation agents whose main issue is gastrointestinal upset, not platelet suppression.
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