ECG changes and plasma concentrations of propafenone and its metabolites in a case of severe poisoning

J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1998;36(3):247-51. doi: 10.3109/15563659809028948.

Abstract

Propafenone is a class IC antiarrhythmic agent metabolized into two major metabolites, 5-hydroxypropafenone and N-depropylpropafenone. The potency of 5-hydroxypropafenone to block fast sodium channels is comparable to that of its parent. We report the positive correlation between plasma concentrations and electrocardiographic changes in a patient with severe oral self-poisoning. Serial ECG changes were measured and plasma concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The initial plasma concentrations of propafenone were in the toxic range and correlated with the widening of the QRS-complex. The slow decline in concentration during this first phase might relate to saturation of the isoenzyme CYP2D6. The half-life of propafenone, calculated from the second phase, was approximately 3 hours, defining the patient as a fast metabolizer. The initial concentrations of the metabolite N-depropylpropafenone were surprisingly higher than those of 5-hydroxypropafenone which may also be due to saturation of CYP2D6.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / blood
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / poisoning*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Heart / drug effects*
  • Heart / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Poisoning / blood*
  • Poisoning / therapy
  • Propafenone / analogs & derivatives
  • Propafenone / blood
  • Propafenone / poisoning*

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Propafenone
  • 5-hydroxypropafenone
  • N-depropylpropafenone