Survival in a case of life-threatening flecainide overdose.
Flecainide acetate is a potent class Ic anti-arrhythmic drug with major sodium channel blocking actions. On the surface electrocardiogram this results in QTc interval prolongation. Overdose with class Ic drugs (< 0.1% of total intoxications) is uncommon, but management is difficult and the mortality high [1]. Serious flecainide overdose is characterised by ventricular tachyarrhythmias, severe bradycardia and variable degrees of atrioventricular block. This report describes a case of life-threatening flecainide overdose in a previously fit individual, resulting in a combination of cardiac disturbances. The treatment options and management are discussed.
Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
N A
NA
Hanley
J P
JP
Bourke
A D
AD
Gascoigne
D000293:Adolescent; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005424:Flecainide / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D005424:Flecainide