Cisapride‐Induced Torsades de Pointes

Abstract

Two cases of torsades de pointes associated with cisapride are presented, both in association with concomitant drug therapy that inhibits cisapride biotransformation. In one case, plasma cisapride was elevated days after the event, strongly supporting a role for accumulation of the drug in causing the arrhythmia. It is emphasized that these adverse drug reactions are not idiosyncratic, but rather are predictable based on an understanding of the underlying mechanisms.