Which of the following medications is most commonly associated with the development of agranulocytosis?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Clonidine is an antihypertensive medication that works as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It is not associated with agranulocytosis. Choice B reason: Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, can cause extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia but is not commonly linked to agranulocytosis. Choice C reason: Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is strongly associated with agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening reduction in white blood cells. Clients taking clozapine require regular monitoring of complete blood counts to detect this adverse effect early. Choice D reason: Lithium is a mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder. Its adverse effects include tremors, polyuria, hypothyroidism, and toxicity symptoms, but agranulocytosis is not a common risk.