Anagrelide 💊

⚠️ For expert haematology use only Always verify dosing and monitoring via the BNF entry for Anagrelide.

📘 About

• Selective platelet-lowering agent used under specialist supervision.
• Refer to the BNF or institutional guidelines for up-to-date prescribing advice.

⚙️ Mode of Action

• Exact mechanism remains incompletely understood.
• Inhibits cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase type III (PDE-III) → reduces megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production.

💊 Indications & Dose

🔗 Interactions

• Avoid concurrent use with other PDE-III inhibitors (e.g. milrinone, cilostazol, enoximone).
• Use caution with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (↑ bleeding risk).

⚠️ Cautions

• Monitor FBC, U&E, and LFTs regularly during treatment.
• Assess QTc interval; avoid if prolonged or in significant cardiac disease.
• Use with care in renal impairment or heart failure.

🚫 Contraindications

• Moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

💥 Side Effects

• Haematological: Thrombocytopenia, anaemia.
• Cardiac: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart failure.
• GI: Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
• Other: Headache, dizziness, oedema, dyspnoea, rare interstitial lung disease.

📚 References

• Anagrelide – BNF (NICE)
• MHRA Drug Safety Update; Specialist Haematology protocols.