title: Methadone, QTc prolongation and torsades de pointes: Current concepts, management and a hidden twist in the tale?
abstract: Methadone is a drug that has found widespread utility in the management of opioid addiction and pain. Along with its popularity, methadone has also earned an infamous reputation for causing prolongation of the QT interval and an increased risk of torsades de pointes. In this article we will give a brief overview of the long QT syndromes, followed by an in-depth look at the current pathophysiologic mechanisms of methadone induced QT prolongation, a review of the existing literature and the current concepts regarding the prevention and management of methadone induced torsades de pointes. In addition, we explore the idea and implications of a genetic link between methadone induced prolongation of the QT interval and torsades de pointes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461-1138, USA.
authors.forename: Sobia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mujtaba
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology and Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10467-2400, USA.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Jack D. Weiler Hospital of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461-2372, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Taub
keywords: Methadone; Pharmacogenetics; QT-prolongation; Torsades de pointes