Loperamide-Induced Torsades de Pointes: A Case Series

Authors

Kenneth D. Katz MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Robert D. Cannon DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Matthew D. Cook DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Alexandra Amaducci, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Ryan Day, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Joshua Enyart DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Glenn Burket, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Jennifer Janssen MS
Karl E. Williams MD, MPH

Publication/Presentation Date

3-2017

Abstract

Background: Loperamide (Imodium™) is an antidiarrheal opioid acting at the μ receptor agonist in high concentrations. Due to the US opioid epidemic, loperamide abuse and ensuing life-threatening toxicity have surfaced.

Hypothesis: The timing and duration of Torsades de Pointes (TdP) from loperamide toxicity is unpredictable and should be heeded with caution, even in asymptomatic patients and drug discontinuance.

Methods: Two patients presenting with life-threatening TdP requiring lengthy hospital admissions for confirmed loperamide toxicity are discussed. Patient data were retrieved from the hospital’s EMR system.

Volume

13

Issue

1

Comments

Abstract #35

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13181-017-0599-3

Published In/Presented At

Katz, K. D., Cannon, R. D., Cook, M. D., Amaducci , A. Day, R. Enyart, J. Burket, G. Janssen, J. Williams, K. Loperamide-Induced Torsades de Pointes: A Case Series. Presented at: American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) J. Med. Toxicol, Phoenix, AZ. (2017) 13: 3. doi:10.1007/s13181-017-0599-3

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine

PubMedID

28755998

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, Department of Pediatrics

Document Type

Presentation