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Ciprofloxacin-induced torsade de pointes.
1Division of Cardiology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 16, 2010
Summary
A rare case of seizure-like activity caused by ciprofloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic) leading to torsade de pointes and prolonged QT interval is presented. This highlights a potentially fatal side effect of quinolone antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and often treated with antibiotics.
- Quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, are frequently prescribed for UTIs.
- QT interval prolongation is a known risk associated with certain medications.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old man developed seizure-like activity after starting ciprofloxacin for a UTI.
- Cardiac monitoring revealed torsade de pointes, necessitating defibrillation.
- Electrocardiogram showed a severely prolonged QT interval.
Findings:
- The prolonged QT interval resolved significantly within 7 days of discontinuing ciprofloxacin.
- This case illustrates a rare but serious adverse effect of quinolone antibiotics.
- Concurrent use of other QT-prolonging drugs may increase this risk.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for quinolone-induced QT prolongation and torsade de pointes.
- Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial, especially in those with risk factors.
- Understanding the mechanism and management of this adverse drug reaction is vital for patient safety.
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