[JohnBovenmyer]

A form of G6PD deficiency is fairly common in african american populations which makes them prone to hemolytic anemia when taking any drug on a lengthy list, including Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. The deficiency is usually mild in that population and the anemia is somewhat dose related so that population may tolerate modest doses of the listed drugs.

IIRC the problem first showed up when our troops were given chloroquine for malaria prophylaxis. There as a cute M*A*S*H episode where Klinger got it from chloroquine. The southern Mediterranean descent G6PD deficiency form is rarer in US but tends to be more severe. Klinger was really sick, but was being accused of malingering. Hawkeye et all didn't consider the dx because he wasn't black but was always 'crying wolf.' Racist of them! Finally another white guy, without Klinger's track record got the same reaction and all was sorted out.

[GOPmember]

I was never a big fan of that show, even before I was too young to know what Alan Alda's political leanings were. But, interesting to know that G-6-PD deficiency made it into M*A*S*H.

While not terribly common nor necessarily commonly severe, it's definitely possible for patients with G-6-PD deficiency to develop hemolytic anemia simply from drinking tonic water.

My comment about a pandemic of hemolyzing patients was tongue-in-cheek. But, it was in response to the accurate comment that side effects will arise if everyone starts popping handfuls of chloroquinolone for the slightest sniffle or cough.

Throw in a course of Bactrim because "Doc, I need an antibiotic for this" (and maybe a big bowl of fava beans, for good measure), and things might get interesting.