Abstract

Recently it has become apparent that autoimmune haemolytic anaemia may occur in patients taking methyldopa (Aldomet - MSD).^{1 2} Seventeen such instances have been reported,^1–3 the direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test being positive in all these patients. The anaemia apparently remits slowly after withdrawal of the drug although the Coombs test may remain positive for some months. Prednisone has induced remission of the anaemia in a few patients who have continued to take methyldopa.