Second-degree atrioventricular heart block after doxapram administration.
Doxapram, a respiratory stimulant, is used to treat idiopathic apnea of prematurity. The side effects reported are minimal. We present three cases of second-degree atrioventricular block caused by QT interval prolongation associated with doxapram administration. All three infants returned to normal sinus rhythm after doxapram administration was stopped.
Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Province, South Africa.
G S
GS
De Villiers
A
A
Walele
P L
PL
Van der Merwe
N N
NN
Kalis
D001049:Apnea / Q000188:drug therapy; D004315:Doxapram / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D006819:Hyaline Membrane Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D019141:Respiratory System Agents; D004315:Doxapram