A twist on torsade: a prolonged QT interval on methadone

J Gen Intern Med. 2006 Nov;21(11):C9-C12. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00588.x.

Abstract

A woman developed a prolonged QT interval and torsade de pointes while on methadone treatment for heroin addiction. We think methadone, or its impaired metabolism, was the major cause for her prolonged QT interval and progression to torsade. However, torsade is often multifactorial, as was likely so in this case. We advise physicians treating patients taking methadone to obtain careful medication and drug-use histories, screen for risk factors associated with long QT syndrome, counsel patients about potential drug interactions, and measure the QT interval before and during methadone treatment in high-risk patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Long QT Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Methadone / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Torsades de Pointes / chemically induced*
  • Torsades de Pointes / diagnosis
  • Torsades de Pointes / physiopathology

Substances

  • Methadone