Thrombocytopenia due to the use of rifampicin in brucellosis

Thrombocytopenia may develop after drug therapy and is a life-threatening condition. Thrombocytopenia may also occur after high-dose use of rifampicin which is an antibiotic. Here, we report five cases of thrombocytopenia developing after the use of rifampicin for the treatment of brucellosis. Four cases had experienced diffuse petechiae and ecchymosis with severe thrombocytopenia. The other patient had a complicated thrombocytopenia with intracerebral hemorrhage. As a result, the usage of rifampicin in the treatment of brucellosis could lead to systemic or central complications.