QT Drug Lists by Risk Groups
Drugs that Prolong the QT Interval and/or Induce Torsades de Pointes Ventricular Arrhythmia
Drug-induced torsades de pointes (TdP), a specific type of ventricular arrhythmia that is associated with prolongation of the QT interval, is a well-understood form of drug toxicity. Because the evidence for risk of torsades de pointes varies among the many drugs associated with TdP and varies with the patients' characteristics, we have divided the drugs into four groups: Those for which there is either a definite association, a possible Association or a conditional association with torsades de pointes. Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive list of drugs that are a concern for a special population-- those with inherited prolongation of the QT interval and torsades de pointes.
Notes about the Lists:
Drugs are listed with up to 2 common brand names. There are several brand names for some of the common drugs, such as pseudoephedrine and erythromycin. It is also important to look at the list of active drugs in medicines that contain a combination of drugs such as Zyrtec-D®, which contains cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.
The lists are formatted to be viewed online or for printing.
We also maintain a list with electronic links to PubMed for literature searches on all of our listed drugs. Each link triggers a search for the drug name and torsades/QT prolongation within the MeSH terminology/ keywords so that a comprehensive list of references to current medical literature can be conveniently accessed.
Drugs on the QT Drug Lists are reviewed on an ongoing basis to assure the evidence is still appropriate for their placement on their respective list. Decisions regarding the placement of drugs on our lists is made in consultation with our QT Drugs Advisory Board.The most recent modification to the lists was done on 3/25/2008.
