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Sustained ventricular tachycardia occurring during propafenone therapy.
P De Jaegere1, L Huyghens, P Dewilde
1Division of Cardiology, Academic Hospital, Free University Brussels.
Acta Cardiologica
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Propafenone, a class I antiarrhythmic drug, can cause ventricular tachycardia even at normal levels. Discontinuing the medication rapidly restored normal sinus rhythm in a patient experiencing this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Class I antiarrhythmic drugs, including propafenone, are known for potential proarrhythmic effects.
- While documented for other class I agents, propafenone-induced arrhythmias are less commonly reported.
- Understanding drug-induced arrhythmias is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient undergoing propafenone therapy is presented.
- The patient developed asymptomatic monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.
- Importantly, the patient's plasma propafenone levels were within the therapeutic range.
Findings:
- Propafenone therapy was associated with the development of ventricular tachycardia.
- The proarrhythmic effect occurred despite normal therapeutic drug levels.
- Cessation of propafenone led to a rapid and complete recovery of sinus rhythm.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for propafenone to induce arrhythmias, even when plasma concentrations are normal.
- Clinicians should remain vigilant for proarrhythmic side effects of propafenone, regardless of measured drug levels.
- Prompt recognition and discontinuation of the offending agent are key to managing drug-induced arrhythmias.