Flecainide-Induced Torsade de Pointes Successfully Treated with Intensive Pharmacological Therapy.
10.18501/arrhythmia.2016.018
- Author:
Hae Won JUNG
1
;
Jae Jin KWAK
;
June NAMGUNG
Author Information
1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vision 21 Cardiac & Vascular Center, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea. jnamgung@paik.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Flecainide;
Arrhythmia;
Drug Toxicity
- MeSH:
Amiodarone;
Arrhythmias, Cardiac;
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions;
Flecainide;
Hemodynamics;
Humans;
Hypotension;
Lidocaine;
Poisoning;
Shock;
Sodium Bicarbonate;
Sodium Channels;
Torsades de Pointes*;
Young Adult
- From:International Journal of Arrhythmia
2016;17(2):97-102
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Flecainide acetate is a potent class IC anti-arrhythmic drug with a major sodium channel blocking effect. Flecainide toxicity can cause myocardial impairment and precipitate circulatory collapse. It may also result in life-threatening arrhythmia, although cases of flecainide-induced torsades de pointes are rare. Furthermore, the electrical and hemodynamic deteriorations observed during flecainide toxicity may not respond to conventional treatments. In the present study, we report the case of a 20-year-old Korean man with flecainide poisoning, who presented with hypotension. The patient was successfully treated with sodium bicarbonate, amiodarone, MgSO₄, and lidocaine, with no recourse to extracorporeal therapy. Although there is no standard therapy for flecainide toxicity, this report demonstrates that intensive pharmacological treatment is beneficial in cases of flecainide overdose.
