Which drug is contraindicated in patients with glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency?

Nitrofurantoin is contraindicated in patients with glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency due to its potential to induce hemolytic anemia. G6PD is an enzyme crucial for protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage. In individuals with G6PD deficiency, exposure to oxidative substances can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, resulting in hemolysis.

Nitrofurantoin, while effective as an antibacterial agent, can generate oxidative stress in red blood cells, which is particularly problematic for those who lack adequate levels of G6PD. Consequently, in patients with this deficiency, the use of nitrofurantoin should be avoided to prevent severe complications associated with hemolytic anemia.

Other drugs listed may have different side effects or contraindications, but they do not share the same hemolytic risk in the context of G6PD deficiency as nitrofurantoin does.