Remdesivir-Induced Marked Sinus Bradycardia in COVID-19

Cureus. 2022 Jul 25;14(7):e27249. doi: 10.7759/cureus.27249. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Remdesivir has been extensively employed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as it has proven to be efficacious against the causative SARS-CoV-2. However, there is not much evidence on the cardiovascular adverse effect profile of remdesivir. In addition, limited data support the occurrence of sinus bradycardia associated with remdesivir. Herein we chronicle a clinical encounter of a patient suffering from COVID-19 whose clinical course was complicated by marked sinus bradycardia that began acutely after remdesivir initiation and resolved on cessation of the medication. The patient denied symptoms and completed a 5-day course with a resolution of bradycardia on completion of medication. We suggest that the physicians be cognizant of this rare side effect of remdesivir and suggest a continuation of this medication unless symptomatic bradycardia precludes management.

Keywords: bradycardia; covid 19; electrocardiogram (ecg/ekg); remdesivir; telemetry.

Publication types

  • Case Reports