QT interval is the time continuance between the start of the Q wafture up to the end of the T wave in an ECG . The heart follows an electrical cycle . An ECG is the graphical representation of this electric cycles/second on a newspaper . The electric conduction of the heart and soul is creditworthy for the contraction of the heart muscles . Because of this mechanism , the blood is pumped through the body in a cautiously program way of life . In this process , the right and the left atrium contract first , and then the right field and left ventricle contract . This taxonomical contraction and relaxation is very carefully design to facilitate the pumping of the blood through the body .
There are many factors which can affect this taxonomical mechanism of activity . sure spunk disorder , other medical conditions , even if not related directly to the warmheartedness , many lifestyle patterns and certain medication can disturb this cautiously designed system , which can bear witness to be quite fatal at clock time .
Before commenting upon whether amitriptyline hydrochloride is responsible for the prolongation of the QT interval , it is first ripe to know the chemical mechanism of action of this particular drug .
amitriptyline hydrochloride is a prescription drug . It is a tricyclic antidepressant and is by and large used to care for anxiety and depression related medical effect . Though the exact mechanism of action of amitriptyline in humans is not clearly lie with , it has been constitute that it does not cause any arousal to the cardinal nervous system . Some of the side effects of amitriptyline hydrochloride areblurred vision , constipationanddry mouth .
There is some speculation and confirmation to an extent about the link between some tricyclic anti - depressant drugs and the prolonged QT interval , torsades de pointes , ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death . Elavil is also a subject for this speculation . This is speculated to be related to the metabolic process of a particular drug . It was also rule that in patient of these consideration , there were also some other risk factors like a family history of inborn long QT syndrome , metabolic diseases , age and sexual urge of the someone , and simultaneous inclusion of other drugs which are responsible for prolong QT time interval .
Does Amitriptyline Prolong QT Interval?
As far as amitriptyline is touch on , yes it can be consider as a possible endangerment factor for prospicient QT syndrome , particularly if it is coalesce with other risky drugs . Hence , this drug should be cautiously prescribed , as it is one of the most important drug in the medical index number and can not be retire totally .
Many drugs that are otherwise commonly used , may have a potency of increase the QT interval , and specially , so if they are aggregate and given with some other drugs which affect their metamorphosis . Therefore , utmost attention is to be taken while administer these drug .
Some people are more prostrate to be suffering from LQTS ( long QT syndrome ) , than the others , though the exact ground for this is not yet known . This may be because of some innate factors , mutations which must have require place in some individuals and not in others ; or it could be acquired , such as in conditions like hypokalemia , hypomagnesemia , cardiac unsuccessful person , kidney failure , etc .
Long QT interval is link with serious ventricular tachycardia , as seen in torsades de pointes , a fatal circumstance , which may devolve further to ventricular fibrillation , and be responsible for a sudden destruction of the person , within seconds !
It is seen that the prolongation of the QT separation find mostly because the potassium channels are blocked , which affect the repolarization in the heart ’s conduction system . This effect is induce many times by the anti - arrhythmic drug . Sometimes , the drugs such as anti - histamine , anti - depressants , anti - psychotic , fungicidal and antibiotic may also be responsible for this .
Hence , the merits and fault of order any drug together should be cautiously thought of , before governance of any such drugs . Any drug , which affects the metabolism of another particular drug , can be a risk factor for causing a prolong QT interval .
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