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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

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

Leslie Russell1, Daniel Levine

  • 1Internal Medicine Resident at Warren Alpert School of Medicine (Rhode Island Hospital).

Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013)
|August 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Methadone can cause Torsades de pointes, a dangerous heart rhythm leading to cardiac arrest. Rapidly reducing methadone dosage normalized the patient's ECG and prevented further complications.

Keywords:
ECGTorsades de pointesmethadonepolymorphic ventricular tachycardiaprolonged QTc

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Pharmacovigilance

Background:

  • Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia.
  • It is frequently associated with acquired long QT syndrome due to medication-induced cardiac repolarization abnormalities.
  • Numerous drugs can prolong the QTc interval, increasing TdP risk.

Observation:

  • A case of methadone-induced Torsades de pointes complicated by ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest is presented.
  • The patient experienced a life-threatening arrhythmia secondary to methadone therapy.
  • Prompt recognition and intervention were crucial for patient survival.

Findings:

  • Rapid tapering of methadone led to ECG normalization and resolution of the arrhythmia.
  • The patient's QTc interval returned to normal after methadone reduction.
  • This case demonstrates the direct link between methadone and TdP.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must be vigilant regarding medications known to prolong the QTc interval, including methadone.
  • Periodic ECG monitoring is essential in patients on potentially arrhythmogenic drugs.
  • Awareness of drug side effects and tailored treatment are critical for patient safety.