Haloperidol-induced torsades de pointes

Chest. 1990 Aug;98(2):482-4. doi: 10.1378/chest.98.2.482.

Abstract

A patient had torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia related to psychotherapy with haloperidol in conventional doses. The QT interval was prolonged, and shortened after the cessation of the medication and infusion of isoproterenol. Concomitantly, torsades de pointes bursts disappeared. The observation might contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of sudden death of patients during pharmacologic psychotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electrocardiography
  • Haloperidol / adverse effects*
  • Haloperidol / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Tachycardia / chemically induced*
  • Tachycardia / diagnosis

Substances

  • Haloperidol