Astemizole-induced ventricular arrhythmias: an unexpected cause of convulsions.
Antihistamines are commonly used drugs. The more recent additions to the formulary are less sedative, but have been implicated as a cause of ventricular arrhythmias. We report a case in which a deliberate overdose of astemizole was associated with Mobitz type two heart block and prolongation of the QT interval, causing the so-called torsade-de-pointes ventricular tachycardia.
University Department of Cardiology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, U.K.
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A
Clark
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H
Love
D000293:Adolescent; D016589:Astemizole / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced*
D016589:Astemizole