Moxifloxacin-induced torsades de pointes

Abstract

Torsade de pointes (TdP) is increasingly recognized as a complication of drug therapy. The most common cause of drug-induced QT prolongation is inhibition of the rapidly activating component of the delayed potassium current (IKr). Moxifloxacin, a widely used fluoroquinolone, is a weak I_Kr inhibitor and has been associated with QT prolongation. We report a case of marked QT prolongation (618 ms) and TdP associated with moxifloxacin use. Although it is difficult to predict which patients are at risk from TdP, careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio is important before prescribing drugs known to cause QT prolongation. (Cardiol J 2008; 15: 71-73)