Torsade de pointes induced by terfenadine in a patient with long QT syndrome

Torsade de pointes is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that is associated with prolongation of the QT interval. Although torsade de pointes is found in many clinical settings, it is mostly drug induced. Similar problems have been described with nonsedating H1-receptor antagonists, such as astemizole and terfenadine. Terfenadine is a widely used antihistamine. The authors report a case of torsade de pointes in a patient with a possible congenital sporadic form of QT interval prolongation who was receiving a therapeutic dose of terfenadine.