Non-antiarrhythmic drugs prolonging the QT interval: considerable use in seven countries.

摘要: Aims  Many drugs belonging to different therapeutic classes appear share a potentially fatal side-effect: ventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with QT prolongation. The aim of this study was assess the relevance and magnitude problem in seven countries by grouping all nonantiarrhythmic according type evidence on prolongation analysing their sales data. Methods  We divided QT-prolonging agents into following categories (in increasing order clinical relevance): group A, published or preclinical relevant official warnings; B, evidence; C, D, drug torsades de pointes arrhythmias prolongation; E, D warnings. retrieved 1998 data from community pharmacies (Australia, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Italy Sweden). Data for individual were expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants day (DDD/1000/day). Overall use each country calculated group. Groups E considered most clinically relevant. Results  Among 102 meeting at least one inclusion criteria, 33 had ≥1 DDD/1000/day 71 ≥0.1 DDD/1000/day country. 37 reports prolongation, 12 compounds ≥1 DDD/1000/day. Total consumption ranged: 51.9 94.7 DDD/1000/day A; 51.6 92.7 DDD/1000/day B; 37.1 76.6 DDD/1000/day C; 12.9 29.1 DDD/1000/day D; 5.8 15.3 DDD/1000/day E. Conclusions  In spite wide variations agents, overall extent same countries. significant should prompt careful risk/benefit assessment agent.