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Class III antiarrhythmic drugs are a group of medications that can prolong action potentials in the heart. They achieve this by blocking potassium channels or enhancing inward currents from sodium channels. However, these drugs have a unique property of "reverse use-dependence," which is most pronounced at slower heart rates and can lead to torsades de pointes—a specific type of arrhythmia. However, it is essential to note that excessive QT interval prolongation—a measure of the heart's...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Published on: June 20, 2020

Aliskiren-induced QT interval prolongation.

Gregory J Peitz¹, Mark A Malesker, S George Sojka

¹Pharmacy Department, Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5039, USA. peitzg@sanfordhealth.org

Southern Medical Journal

|March 13, 2009

Summary

Aliskiren, a hypertension drug, may cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. This report details the first known case of aliskiren-induced QT prolongation leading to torsades de pointes.

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Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

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Published on: June 20, 2020

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Pharmacology

Background:

Aliskiren is the first drug approved for hypertension via direct renin inhibition.
The complete side effect profile of aliskiren is not yet fully established.

Observation:

This study reports the first apparent case of aliskiren-induced QT prolongation.
The event resulted in torsades de pointes, a life-threatening arrhythmia.

Findings:

Aliskiren may be associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
This adverse event highlights the need for vigilance with novel antihypertensives.

Implications:

Clinicians should monitor patients on aliskiren for potential cardiac adverse events.
Further research is needed to fully characterize the cardiovascular safety of aliskiren.