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Case of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Diphenhydramine Poisoning
Author(s) -
JOSHI AJAY K.,
SLJAPIC TATJANA,
BORGHEI HASSAN,
KOWEY PETER R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1540-8167
pISSN - 1045-3873
DOI - 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2004.03173.x
Subject(s) - medicine , torsades de pointes , proarrhythmia , qt interval , diphenhydramine , ventricular tachycardia , anesthesia , population , cardiology , cardioversion , atrial fibrillation , environmental health , histamine
This is the first reported case of torsades de pointes attributable to diphenhydramine, a drug with weak I Kr effects. A 26‐year‐old, healthy man was admitted to intensive care after a diphenhydramine overdose. Results of physical examination, ECG, and electrolytes were normal at admission. Despite supportive care, he developed typical, sustained, torsades de pointes with a markedly prolonged QT interval requiring cardioversion. Drugs with weak I Kr ‐blocking effects may cause lethal proarrhythmia in susceptible individuals when delivered in high concentrations. This case illustrates the variation in repolarization reserve that exists in a free‐standing population. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 591‐593, May 2004)