Pain medication and long QT syndrome
- Author:
Christoph KLIVINYI
1
;
Helmar BORNEMANN-CIMENTI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Adverse effects; Analgesics; Anticonvulsants; Cannabinoids; Central muscle relaxants; Electrocardiography; Long QT syndrome; Narcotics; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Torsade de pointes
- MeSH: Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Anticonvulsants; Antidepressive Agents; Antiemetics; Cannabinoids; Chronic Pain; Diuretics; Electrocardiography; Long QT Syndrome; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Narcotics; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Torsades de Pointes
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain 2018;31(1):3-9
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Long QT syndrome is a cardiac repolarization disorder and is associated with an increased risk of torsades de pointes. The acquired form is most often attributable to administration of specific medications and/or electrolyte imbalance. This review provides insights into the risk for QT prolongation associated with drugs frequently used in the treatment of chronic pain. In the field of pain medicine all the major drug classes (i.e. NSAIDs, opioids, anticonvulsive and antidepressant drugs, cannabinoids, muscle relaxants) contain agents that increase the risk of QT prolongation. Other substances, not used in the treatment of pain, such as proton pump inhibitors, antiemetics, and diuretics are also associated with long QT syndrome. When the possible benefits of therapy outweigh the associated risks, slow dose titration and electrocardiography monitoring are recommended.
