Open AccessProvocation of ventricular tachycardia by antimalarial drug halofantrine in congenital long QT syndrome
Author(s) -
Toivonen Lauri,
Viitasalo Matti,
PohjolaSintonen Sinikka,
Siikamäki Heli,
Raatikka Marja
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960170711
Subject(s) - medicine , halofantrine , qt interval , ventricular tachycardia , long qt syndrome , cardiology , anesthesia , electrocardiography , drug , tachycardia , pharmacology , chloroquine , malaria , mefloquine , immunology
This report deals with two patients who suffered sustained episodes of torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia while using the novel antimalarial drug halofantrine. Both patients had congenital long QT syndrome, and their QT interval was further prolonged at the time of the event. This first electrocardiographic documentation of ventricular arrhythmias together with halofantrine's known prolonging effect on the QT interval demonstrates that the drug has the potential to induce life‐threatening arrhythmias.