Sotalol-induced torsade de pointes: management with magnesium infusion

Postgrad Med J. 1992 Apr;68(798):289-90. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.68.798.289.

Abstract

A 69 year old woman was treated with sotalol (320 mg daily) for intermittent atrial fibrillation. Sotalol was initially well tolerated and reversion to sinus rhythm with sinus bradycardia occurred 4 weeks after initiation of therapy. Shortly thereafter, the patient developed recurrent syncope due to torsade de pointes. This was treated successfully with intravenous magnesium infusion and withdrawal of sotalol. Subsequently, the atrial fibrillation was adequately managed using amiodarone, with no recurrence of torsade de pointes. Development of bradycardia associated with reversion to sinus rhythm represents a potential cause of 'late' pro-arrhythmic effects of sotalol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Sulfate / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence
  • Sotalol / adverse effects*
  • Sotalol / therapeutic use
  • Torsades de Pointes / chemically induced*
  • Torsades de Pointes / drug therapy

Substances

  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Sotalol
  • Amiodarone