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No significant QTc interval changes with high-dose ziprasidone: a case series
Woodburne O Levy1, Nicole R Robichaux-Keene, Claudia Nunez
1James A. Haley VA Medical Center, 116A, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, USA.
Journal of Psychiatric Practice
|November 24, 2004
Summary
High-dose ziprasidone (above 160 mg/day) showed minimal QTc interval prolongation in inpatients. This antipsychotic medication did not significantly increase cardiac risk in this specific patient group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used for psychotic disorders.
- Concerns exist regarding ziprasidone's potential for QTc interval prolongation, especially at higher doses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the electrocardiogram (ECG) effects of high-dose ziprasidone (240-320 mg/day).
- To assess the incremental risk of QTc interval prolongation beyond the FDA-approved dose.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ECGs from 15 adult inpatients receiving high-dose ziprasidone.
- Comparison of pre- and post-treatment QTc intervals.
Main Results:
- Average QTc interval increase was 3.4 msec.
- Maximum post-treatment QTc was 452 msec.
- No patient experienced a QTc increase greater than 20 msec; findings were statistically insignificant.
Conclusions:
- High-dose ziprasidone did not significantly prolong the QTc interval in this patient subset.
- Further research is needed for higher-risk populations and to investigate rare cardiogenic effects.