Cardiac antiarrhythmic effect of nortriptyline

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) possess quinidine-like cardiac effects.
• Imipramine, a TCA, has been investigated for antiarrhythmic properties.

Observation:

• A depressed patient presented with premature ventricular complexes.
• Nortriptyline was administered to the patient.

Findings:

• Nortriptyline demonstrated antiarrhythmic activity in this patient.
• The cardiac action of nortriptyline was discussed in relation to its antiarrhythmic effects.

Implications:

• TCAs may represent a novel therapeutic class for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
• Further research into nortriptyline's antiarrhythmic mechanisms is warranted.