Long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes induced by acute sulpiride poisoning.
Sulpiride, a selective dopamine D2 antagonist and a substituted benzamide derivative, is considered a safe antipsychotic and antidepressant agent with few adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Sulpiride-induced torsades de pointes is rare. We report a case of long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes induced by ingestion of 1.5 g of sulpiride. Ventricular arrhythmia was initially treated with amiodarone, without success. Eventually, lidocaine and magnesium sulfate successfully terminated the ventricular arrhythmia. The patient was discharged uneventfully after 3 days of hospitalization. This case illustrates the fact that acute sulpiride poisoning may lead to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. Early recognition followed by effective therapy is crucial. Intensive cardiac monitoring is recommended for sulpiride poisoning.
Chang
Jia-How
JH
Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Weng
Te-I
TI
Fang
Cheng-Chung
CC
D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013469:Sulpiride / Q000506:poisoning*; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000139:chemically induced*; D055815:Young Adult
D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate; D013469:Sulpiride; D008012:Lidocaine