Drug Interactions between astemizole and ibutilide

MONITOR CLOSELY: Like other class III antiarrhythmic agents, ibutilide can cause dose-related QT interval prolongation. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if ibutilide is used in combination with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. Ibutilide should only be administered in a setting of continuous ECG monitoring and by personnel trained in identification and treatment of acute ventricular arrhythmias, particularly polymorphic ventricular tachycardia such as torsade de pointes. Patients should be observed with continuous ECG monitoring for at least 4 hours following ibutilide infusion or until QTc has returned to baseline. Longer monitoring is required if any arrhythmic activity is noted.

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