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Lacosamide-induced recurrent ventricular fibrillation: A case report
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|August 25, 2020
Summary
Lacosamide, an antiepileptic drug, can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems like ventricular fibrillation. This case highlights the potential cardiac risks of lacosamide, even with initial doses in epilepsy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Lacosamide is a novel antiepileptic drug targeting the central nervous system.
- While effective for epilepsy, lacosamide may pose cardiovascular risks, including arrhythmias.
- Published cases of lacosamide-induced cardiac dysrhythmia are infrequent.
Observation:
- A patient receiving lacosamide as adjunctive epilepsy therapy experienced multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation.
- These life-threatening events necessitated cardioversion.
- The cardiac dysrhythmia occurred shortly after the initiation of lacosamide treatment.
Findings:
- Lacosamide administration was temporally associated with the onset of ventricular fibrillation.
- The patient's condition required immediate medical intervention, including cardioversion.
- This case underscores a potential severe adverse cardiac event linked to lacosamide.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for cardiac side effects when prescribing lacosamide.
- Early recognition and management of lacosamide-induced arrhythmias are crucial.
- Further research into the cardiac safety profile of lacosamide is warranted.
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