Some antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones, can increase white blood cell (WBC) counts. This is because they can trigger a similar molecular response as certain other medications that cause WBC elevation.
For instance, moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin, two fluoroquinolones, both share a similar molecular structure that includes a cyclopropyl moiety at position N1 of the quinolone group. This structure seems to contribute to their ability to increase WBC counts.
However, it's important to remember that many factors can influence WBC counts, including infections, inflammation, and other medications. While antibiotics can play a role, they aren't the only factor.
Example:
- Both patients who received moxifloxacin experienced increases in their absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and WBC values. These increases were sustained for 60 days.
Other medications known to increase WBC counts include:
- Epinephrine
- Allopurinol
- Beta-adrenergic agonists
- Corticosteroids
- Metformin
Note:
- While this information provides some insight, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment regarding changes in WBC counts.
- The provided references suggest that several antibiotics, including some fluoroquinolones, can lead to an increase in WBC counts, although this is not a universal effect for all antibiotics.
