NABP Exam NAPLEX Topic 5 Question 50 Discussion

The direct Coombs test is used to test for autoimmune hemolyticanemia -- a condition in which the body attacks red blood cells, leading to anemia. Some drugs can cause a positive direct Coombs test -- methyldopa being one of the most well-known (via IgG-mediated type II hypersensitivity reaction). Other drugs that can cause this effect include quinidine (IgM-mediated activation) and penicillins (at very high doses).