Hemolytic anemia after zopiclone overdose

Abstract

Introduction. Zopiclone is associated with methemoglobinemia. We report a case of zopiclone overdose manifested with another hematological complication, hemolysis. Case. A 46-year-old woman overdosed with 50–100 tablets of 7.5 mg zopiclone. Oxidative hemolysis was evident by anemia, bite cells, raised unconjugated bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase, lowered haptoglobin, and reticulocytosis. Discussion. In zopiclone overdose, there may be oxidative stress rendering the development of not only methemoglobinemia but also hemolysis.

Keywords:

• Hemolysis
• Methemoglobinemia
• Zopiclone