Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Drugs that prolong QT interval mnemonic

Hello!

Here are drugs that can prolong QT interval and cause Torsades de Pointes! The mnemonic is TOOOOORSADES!


Drugs that prolong QT interval mnemonic
T - Thiazides
O - Olanzapine
O - Opioids
Q - Quinidine (Class IA antiarrhythmics)
Q - Quinolones (Fluoroquinolones antibiotics)
R - Risperidone (Typical and atypical antipsychotics)
S - Sotalol (Class III antiarrhythmic)
A - Antihistaminics
D - antiDepressants like TCAs
E - Erythromycin (Macrolide antibiotics)
S - SSRI antidepressants

Remember, Amiodarone prolongs QT but does not cause torsades.

Also, remember that electrolyte abnormalities (Hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia) can also prolong the QT interval. Drastic changes in electrolyte concentrations should be avoided in patients with congenital long QT syndrome along with these drugs. Here's another post on congenital long QT syndrome. Beta blockers can be used in long QT syndrome but ICD is the only definitive treatment.

The treatment of drug induced torsades is to stop the offending drug and magnesium sulfate.

That's all!
And finally, check out my favorite pun and pick up line on QT.
-IkaN

My friend Riya sent me this:
ABCDE mnemonic for QT prolongation
anti Arrhythmic
anti Biotic
antipsy Chotic
anti Depressants
anti Emetics

Use the mnemonic that suits you :)

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