' Loperamide overdose induces ventricular tachycardia with catastrophic outcomes'. Issue 3 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ali, Zain; Shoukat, Umer; Khan, Mariya; Roomi, Sohaib; Ullah, Waqas
• Is Part Of: Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives. Volume 10:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Loperamide overdose -- ventricular tachycardia -- torsade de Pointes -- arrhythmias -- cardiotoxicity -- QT prolongation; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Hospitals, Community; Internal Medicine; Hospitals; Internal medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2020.1766839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-9666

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Loperamide is a widely available, over-the-counter medication. The advent of the opioid epidemic has seen cases of loperamide overdose being reported. The common side effects of the medication can be relatively benign, but at high doses, loperamide can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias. Our case highlights rare side effects of loperamide overdose inducing ventricular tachycardia, with unfavorable consequences. This case emphasizes that the distribution and availability of this medication should be restricted, to be a prescription drug, to prevent overdose and adverse outcomes.