Many cardiac drugs, most notably those used to treat arrhythmia, actually have the ability to cause a specific arrhythmia with a very strange sounding name. However, many physicians are unaware that "Torsades de Pointes", as it is called, may also be caused by many non-cardiac drugs as well, and therefore may not know to look out for it in their patients.

Among those drugs cited in this editorial as being shown or have the potential to case this disorder were non-sedating antihistamines, including some of the most popular drugs on the market today (e.g., Claritin). Several antibiotics, including erythromycin, as well as tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics, and antipsychotics are also a potential causes.

"Torsades de Pointes" is a condition in which the heart beats rapidly, with periodic waxing and waning of it's amplitude. In some cases it can progress to the serious condition of ventricular fibrillation, which is often fatal, unless treated immediately.

Women are more susceptible to "Torsades de Pointes", as are those with certain types of pre-existing heart disease or certain metabolic abnormalities such as low magnesium or potassium levels. The authors suggest that patients taking any of these drugs previously mentioned be given a list of precautions, risk factors, and contraindications for taking other medications.

British Medical Journal 2000; 320: 1158-1159.

Original Article