Moxifloxacin-induced QT prolongation and torsades: an uncommon effect of a common drug.

Authors:	Aaref Badshah, Mohammad Janjua, Fahad Younas, Abdul R Halabi, John F Cotant
Language:	Eng.
Date:	2009-08-14
Journal:	The American journal of the medical sciences (0002-9629)
Release:	Am J Med Sci. 2009 Aug;338(2):164-6
Abstract:	Torsade de pointes (TdP) or "twisting of the points" represents polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the setting of prolonged QT interval and is characterized by QRS complexes that change in morphology and amplitude. We report a rare case of TdP, associated with QT interval prolongation, caused by intravenous moxifloxacin given for pneumonia in a 71-year-old African American man. Electrocardiogram initially revealed QT interval prolongation that led to torsades de pointes. These changes reverted to normal when moxifloxacin was held. Although the risk for quinolone-associated TdP seems to be low, caution is still warranted when given someone with high risk of QT prolongation.
Copyright:	The American journal of the medical sciences Department of Medical Education, Saint Joseph Mercy-Oakland, 44405 Woodward Avenue, Pontiac, MI 48341, USA. aarefbadshah gmail.com
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Terms:	Anti-Infective Agents, Aza Compounds, Electrocardiography, Humans, Long QT Syndrome, Male, Middle Aged, Quinolines, Torsades de Pointes