title: High risk of QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes associated with intravenous quinidine used for treatment of resistant malaria or babesiosis.
abstract: Cardiac toxicity may be associated with drugs used for malaria. Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a well-known adverse effect of quinidine when used for atrial fibrillation. Intravenous quinidine doses for resistant malaria are 2 to 3 times higher than those used for arrhythmias. Among 6 patients receiving quinidine for malaria or babesiosis, 4 developed QT interval prolongation and 2 experienced TdP. Clinicians should be aware that recommended doses of quinidine for malaria carry a high TdP risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Heather A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Wroblewski
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kovacs
authors.forename: Joanna R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kingery
authors.forename: Brian R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Overholser
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tisdale
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011802:Quinidine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials; D011802:Quinidine