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Persistent electrocardiographic changes after flecainide overdose
1Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Overdosing with flecainide acetate, a class 1C antiarrhythmic, is uncommon. This case report details a rare overdose leading to severe arrhythmias and prolonged ECG changes in a patient undergoing long-term therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Flecainide acetate is a potent Class IC antiarrhythmic drug used for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
- Overdosage of flecainide acetate is considered rare, especially in patients on long-term therapeutic regimens.
Observation:
- A rare case of flecainide acetate overdosage occurred in a patient receiving long-term treatment.
- The overdose resulted in significant and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
- Prolonged and severe electrocardiographic abnormalities were noted following the overdose.
Findings:
- Flecainide acetate overdose can precipitate severe ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.
- Electrocardiographic manifestations of flecainide acetate toxicity include QRS widening, QT interval prolongation, and heart block.
- The duration of these abnormalities can be prolonged, posing a significant clinical challenge.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for serious toxicity even with rare overdoses of flecainide acetate.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for flecainide acetate toxicity in patients presenting with unexplained arrhythmias, particularly those on long-term therapy.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial for mitigating life-threatening consequences of flecainide acetate overdosage.