Key result
Donepezil is linked to reversible acquired long QT syndrome and Torsades de Pointes.
Why the study?
Cardiovascular side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil, are rarely seen and not well characterized.
Case Report (n=1)
Donepezil use can rarely be associated with severe cardiovascular side effects, including acquired long QT syndrome and Torsades de Pointes.
Donepezil may trigger QT prolongation and TdP in elderly patients; single case leaves open need for systematic safety studies.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are group of drugs commonly used in Alzheimer disease and have beneficial effects on treatment. Although they have many known side effects , cardiovascular side effects are rarely seen. We present a 84 year old female who was admitted to emergency service due to repetitive syncope episodes while taking donepezil . Her electrocardiogram showed QT prolongation and on follow-up a Torsades de Pointes episode occurred. Patient was discharged with normal corrected QT time after removal of donepezil .
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Gürbüz et al. (2015) conducted a case report in Alzheimer disease (n=1). Donepezil was evaluated on QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. Donepezil use in an 84-year-old female with Alzheimer disease was associated with acquired long QT syndrome and Torsades de Pointes, which resolved after drug discontinuation.
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