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Agnihotri A, Ramasubbu SK, Bandyopadhyay A, Bidarolli M, Nath UK, Das B. Prevalence, Attributes, and Risk Factors of QT-Interval-Prolonging Drugs and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Cureus 2024; 16:e60492. [PMID: 38882995 PMCID: PMC11180424 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer chemotherapy regimens include multiple classes of adjuvant drugs as supportive therapy. Because of the concurrent intake of other drugs (like antiemetics, antidepressants, analgesics, and antimicrobials), there is a heightened risk for possible QT interval prolongation. There is a dearth of evidence in the literature regarding the usage of QT-prolonging anticancer drugs and associated risk factors that have the propensity to prolong QT interval. The purpose was to explore the extent of the use of QT-interval-prolonging drugs and potential QT-prolonging drug-drug interactions (QT-DDIs) in cancer patients attending OPD in a tertiary-care hospital. Methods This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study. Risk stratification of QT-prolonging drugs for torsades de pointes (TdP) was done by the Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (AzCERT)/CredibleMeds-lists, and potential QT-DDIs were determined with four online DDI-checker-software. Results In 1331 cancer patients, the overall prevalence of potential QT-prolonging drug utilization was 97.3%. Ondansetron, pantoprazole, domperidone, and olanzapine were the most frequent QT-prolonging drugs in cancer patients. The top six antineoplastics with potential QT-prolonging and torsadogenic actions were capecitabine, oxaliplatin, imatinib, bortezomib, 5-fluorouracil, and bendamustine. Evidence-based pragmatic QTc interval prolongation risk assessment tools are imperative for cancer patients. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of QT-prolonging drugs and QT-DDIs among cancer patients who are treated with anticancer and non-anticancer drugs. As a result, it's critical to take precautions, stay vigilant, and avoid QT-prolonging in clinical situations. Evidence-based pragmatic QTc interval prolongation risk assessment tools are needed for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Agnihotri
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Medicine, Faridabad, IND
| | - Saravana Kumar Ramasubbu
- Department of Pharmacology, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair, IND
| | - Arkapal Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalyani, Kalyani, IND
| | - Manjunath Bidarolli
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Uttam Kumar Nath
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Biswadeep Das
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, IND
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Secombe KR, Van Sebille YZA, Mayo BJ, Coller JK, Gibson RJ, Bowen JM. Diarrhea Induced by Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Compared With Chemotherapy: Potential Role of the Microbiome. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420928493. [PMID: 32493068 PMCID: PMC7273583 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420928493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (SM-TKIs) are among a group of
targeted cancer therapies, intended to be more specific to cancer cells compared
with treatments, such as chemotherapy, hence reducing adverse events.
Unfortunately, many patients report high levels of diarrhea, the pathogenesis of
which remains under investigation. In this article, we compare the current state
of knowledge of the pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in
comparison to SM-TKI–induced diarrhea, and investigate how a similar research
approach in both areas may be beneficial. To this end, we review evidence that
both treatment modalities may interact with the gut microbiome, and as such the
microbiome should be investigated for its ability to reduce the risk of
diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate R Secombe
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ysabella Z A Van Sebille
- UniSA Online, Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bronwen J Mayo
- Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
| | - Janet K Coller
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel J Gibson
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne M Bowen
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Abstract
Loperamide is an over-the-counter medication which is commonly used to treat diarrhoea. In excessive doses, loperamide acts as an opioid on the central nervous system, which contributes to its increasing popularity as an alternative substance for opiate addictions. High doses for prolonged periods can cause prolonged QTc and provoke life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation. We report the case of a young female who developed dangerous arrhythmias as a result of chronic loperamide overdosing. Following syncopal episodes at rest, she was admitted for a period of monitored observation and later discharged with a plan to taper her loperamide in the community. Upon second presentation, her loperamide was replaced with buprenorphine patches, which were then weaned successfully in the community. Despite this, she passed away several months later, most likely from an underlying congenital cardiac arrhythmia which was unmasked by excessive use of loperamide.
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4
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Mamoshina P, Rodriguez B, Bueno-Orovio A. Toward a broader view of mechanisms of drug cardiotoxicity. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2:100216. [PMID: 33763655 PMCID: PMC7974548 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxicity, defined as toxicity that affects the heart, is one of the most common adverse drug effects. Numerous drugs have been shown to have the potential to induce lethal arrhythmias by affecting cardiac electrophysiology, which is the focus of current preclinical testing. However, a substantial number of drugs can also affect cardiac function beyond electrophysiology. Within this broader sense of cardiotoxicity, this review discusses the key drug-protein interactions known to be involved in cardiotoxic drug response. We cover adverse effects of anticancer, central nervous system, genitourinary system, gastrointestinal, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective agents, illustrating that many share mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, including contractility, mitochondrial function, and cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Blanca Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alfonso Bueno-Orovio
- Department of Computer Science, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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De Vera J, Kim HB, Sakr AE. A Case Report of Loperamide-Induced Ventricular Storm. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2021; 9:2324709621990768. [PMID: 33533290 PMCID: PMC7868485 DOI: 10.1177/2324709621990768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Loperamide is an easily accessible antidiarrheal medication. Unlike other medications in its class, loperamide is unique in that it causes euphoria at supratherapeutic levels due to its effect on opioid receptors. Unfortunately, with its growing abuse potential also comes increasing reports of cardiotoxicity including prolonged QT, torsades de pointes, and sudden cardiac death. We report a case of a 29-year-old female who presented with unstable arrhythmia that further progressed into electrical storm in the setting of loperamide toxicity. Due to its growing popularity and availability, it is important for clinicians to understand loperamide’s mechanisms for causing toxicity as well as how to appropriately treat its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome De Vera
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Antoine E Sakr
- Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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6
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Pharmacological Aspects of Over-the-Counter Opioid Drugs Misuse. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173905. [PMID: 32867117 PMCID: PMC7504308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are known to be misused. Among them are opioids such as codeine, dihydrocodeine, and loperamide. This work elucidates their pharmacology, interactions, safety profiles, and how pharmacology is being manipulated to misuse these common medications, with the aim to expand on the subject outlined by the authors focusing on abuse prevention and prevalence rates. The reviewed literature was identified in several online databases through searches conducted with phrases created by combining the international non-proprietary names of the drugs with terms related to drug misuse. The results show that OTC opioids are misused as an alternative for illicit narcotics, or prescription-only opioids. The potency of codeine and loperamide is strongly dependent on the individual enzymatic activity of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, as well as P-glycoprotein function. Codeine can also be utilized as a substrate for clandestine syntheses of more potent drugs of abuse, namely desomorphine (“Krokodil”), and morphine. The dangerous methods used to prepare these substances can result in poisoning from toxic chemicals and impurities originating from the synthesis procedure. OTC opioids are generally safe when consumed in accordance with medical guidelines. However, the intake of supratherapeutic amounts of these substances may reveal surprising traits of common medications.
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7
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Deng C, Lou Y, Gao Y, Deng B, Su F, Jia L. Efficacy and safety of Shengjiang Xiexin decoction in prophylaxis of chemotherapy-related diarrhea in small cell lung cancer patients: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:370. [PMID: 32357899 PMCID: PMC7193543 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diarrhea is a common adverse reaction in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, for which there is currently no effective method of treatment. Shengjiang Xiexin decoction (SXD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has shown efficacy in alleviating irinotecan-induced diarrhea in preliminary clinical studies. The current study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of SXD for prophylaxis against irinotecan-induced diarrhea. Additionally, we employ a new approach to analyze and evaluate the data based on the patients’ uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) genotype, which predicts the risk of diarrhea. Methods and design A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) from five hospitals in China. For this study, 100 irinotecan-naïve patients will be randomly allocated to either the SXD or placebo arms in a 1:1 ratio. Stratified randomization will be used to divide subjects by UGT1A1 genotype into groups with differing risk of diarrhea. The trial will consist of two cycles of chemotherapy with 14 days of oral administration of SXD or placebo administered beginning between 3 days before and up to 11 days after initiation of each chemotherapy cycle. The primary study outcome is the incidence of diarrhea. Secondary outcomes include the degree of diarrhea, the degree of neutropenia, the rate of alterations in chemotherapy regimens, the amount of antidiarrheal drug taken, the rate of hospitalization, and evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy. Discussion This study is the first to use the UGT1A1 genotype to stratify patients into groups based on their risk of diarrhea, and to provide a complete assessment of chemotherapy-related diarrhea (CRD), including records of diarrhea duration, grading the severity of diarrhea, and evaluating concomitant symptoms. Study results will provide high-level clinical evidence on the use of SXD as prophylaxis for CRD. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR1800018490. Registered on 20 September 2018. Retrospectively registered. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=25250&htm=4c
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Deng
- Department of medical oncology, integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No.2, East Street, Ying Hua Yuan, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yanni Lou
- Department of medical oncology, integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No.2, East Street, Ying Hua Yuan, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of medical oncology, integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No.2, East Street, Ying Hua Yuan, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11, East Road, North Third Ring Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of medical oncology, integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No.2, East Street, Ying Hua Yuan, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Fei Su
- Department of medical oncology, integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No.2, East Street, Ying Hua Yuan, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Liqun Jia
- Department of medical oncology, integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No.2, East Street, Ying Hua Yuan, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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9
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Mayo BJ, Secombe KR, Wignall AD, Bateman E, Thorpe D, Pietra C, Keefe DM, Bowen JM. The GLP-2 analogue elsiglutide reduces diarrhoea caused by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib in rats. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 85:793-803. [PMID: 32060615 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lapatinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy. Diarrhoea commonly occurs in up to 78% of patients undertaking lapatinib treatment. The mechanism of this diarrhoea is currently unknown. Elsiglutide is a GLP-2 analogue known to increase cell proliferation and reduce apoptosis in the intestine. METHODS We used a previously developed rat model of lapatinib-induced diarrhoea to determine if co-treatment with elsiglutide was able to reduce diarrhoea caused by lapatinib. Additionally, we analysed the caecal microbiome of these rats to assess changes in the microbiome due to lapatinib. RESULTS Rats treated with lapatinib and elsiglutide had less severe diarrhoea than rats treated with lapatinib alone. Serum lapatinib levels, blood biochemistry, myeloperoxidase levels and serum limulus amebocyte lysate levels were not significantly different between groups. Rats treated with lapatinib alone had significantly higher histopathological damage in the ileum than vehicle controls. This increase was not seen in rats also receiving elsiglutide. Rats receiving lapatinib alone had lower microbial diversity than rats who also received elsiglutide. CONCLUSIONS Elsiglutide was able to reduce diarrhoea from lapatinib treatment. This does not appear to be via reduction in inflammation or barrier permeability, and may be due to thickening of mucosa, leading to increased surface area for fluid absorption in the distal small intestine. Microbial changes seen in this study require further research to fully elucidate their role in the development of diarrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwen J Mayo
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Level 4, Playford Building, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
| | - Kate R Secombe
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony D Wignall
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Level 4, Playford Building, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Emma Bateman
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel Thorpe
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Level 4, Playford Building, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | | | - Dorothy M Keefe
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne M Bowen
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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10
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Teigeler T, Stahura H, Alimohammad R, Kalahasty G, Koneru JN, Ellenbogen M, Ellenbogen KA, Padala SK. Electrocardiographic changes in loperamide toxicity: Case report and review of literature. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2019; 30:2618-2626. [DOI: 10.1111/jce.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Todd Teigeler
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Heather Stahura
- Capital Cardiology Associates Albany Medical Center Albany New York
| | | | - Gautham Kalahasty
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Jayanthi N. Koneru
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Michael Ellenbogen
- Division of General Internal Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Kenneth A. Ellenbogen
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
| | - Santosh K. Padala
- Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia
- Capital Cardiology Associates Albany Medical Center Albany New York
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11
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Bornstein K, Montrief T, Anwar Parris M. Left Ventricular Regional Wall Motion Abnormality in the Setting of Acute Loperamide Overdose. Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med 2019; 3:262-266. [PMID: 31403100 PMCID: PMC6682251 DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2019.4.42510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Loperamide is an inexpensive, over-the-counter antidiarrheal agent with emerging reports of overdose due to its opioid properties. Although it is considered by many patients to be safe, cardiotoxicity has been reported, prompting the United States Food and Drug Administration to release a warning regarding the arrhythmogenic potential of loperamide. We present a case of a 32-year-old male presenting in acute loperamide overdose and subsequent cardiac dysrhythmia with focal wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram. This finding has not been previously reported in the literature and is unique in this clinical presentation. We also highlight the potential mechanisms for loperamide cardiotoxicity and its challenging management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasha Bornstein
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Timothy Montrief
- Jackson Memorial Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Miami, Florida
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12
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Secombe KR, Ball IA, Shirren J, Wignall AD, Finnie J, Keefe D, Avogadri-Connors F, Olek E, Martin D, Moran S, Bowen JM. Targeting neratinib-induced diarrhea with budesonide and colesevelam in a rat model. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018; 83:531-543. [PMID: 30535958 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-018-3756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neratinib is an irreversible pan-ErbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the extended adjuvant treatment of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Its use is associated with the development of severe diarrhea in up to 40% of patients in the absence of proactive management. We previously developed a rat model of neratinib-induced diarrhea and found inflammation and anatomical disruption in the ileum and colon. Here we tested whether anti-diarrheal interventions, budesonide and colesevelam, can reduce neratinib-induced diarrhea and intestinal pathology. METHODS Rats were treated with 50 mg/kg neratinib via oral gavage for 14 or 28 days (total n = 64). Body weight and diarrhea severity were recorded daily. Apoptosis was measured using immunohistochemistry for caspase-3. Inflammation was measured via a multiplex cytokine/chemokine assay. ErbB levels were measured using PCR and Western Blot. RESULTS Budesonide co-treatment caused rats to gain significantly less weight than neratinib alone from day 4 of treatment (P = 0.0418). Budesonide (P = 0.027) and colesevelam (P = 0.033) each reduced the amount of days with moderate diarrhea compared to neratinib alone. In the proximal colon, rats treated with neratinib had higher levels of apoptosis compared to controls (P = 0.0035). Budesonide reduced histopathological injury in the proximal (P = 0.0401) and distal colon (P = 0.027) and increased anti-inflammatory IL-4 tissue concentration (ileum; P = 0.0026, colon; P = 0.031) compared to rats treated with neratinib alone. In the distal ileum, while budesonide decreased ErbB1 mRNA expression compared to controls (P = 0.018) (PCR), an increase in total ErbB1 protein was detected (P = 0.0021) (Western Blot). CONCLUSION Both budesonide and colesevelam show potential as effective interventions against neratinib-induced diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate R Secombe
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2 Helen Mayo Building South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
| | - Imogen A Ball
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2 Helen Mayo Building South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Joseph Shirren
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2 Helen Mayo Building South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Anthony D Wignall
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2 Helen Mayo Building South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - John Finnie
- SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dorothy Keefe
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2 Helen Mayo Building South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Susan Moran
- Puma Biotechnology Inc, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joanne M Bowen
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Level 2 Helen Mayo Building South, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
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Schifano F, Chiappini S. Is there such a thing as a 'lope' dope? Analysis of loperamide-related European Medicines Agency (EMA) pharmacovigilance database reports. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204443. [PMID: 30286103 PMCID: PMC6171858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, loperamide has recently emerged for its potential of misuse and cardiotoxicity issues. Hence, we aimed here at assessing the loperamide-related cases being reported to the EMA's EudraVigilance (EV) database. Methods All spontaneous EV reports relating to loperamide misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal and cardiotoxicity issues were here retrieved, performing a descriptive analysis. Findings During the years 2005–2017, EV collected a number of 1,983 (out of a total of 7,895; 25.11%) loperamide-related misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports, with a progressively increasing trend since 2014. Most cases were classified as drug use disorder (37.4%) or intentional overdose (25.4%). Loperamide was used on its own in 41.9% of cases; remaining, polydrug, cases included antidepressants; benzodiazepines; and other OTCs. Some 1,085 (1,085/7,895 = 13.7%) cardiovascular ADRs were reported, being conduction abnormalities and EKG alterations the most frequently identified. Conclusions EV data may support the levels of concern relating to loperamide potential of abuse and associated cardiotoxicity issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, United Kingdom
- Casa di Cura Villa Rosa, Viterbo (VT), Italy
- * E-mail:
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Akel T, Bekheit S. Loperamide cardiotoxicity: "A Brief Review". Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2017; 23:e12505. [PMID: 29125226 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Loperamide is a popular antidiarrheal medication that has been used for many years. It is currently gaining more attention among healthcare professionals due to its increasing potential for side effects. At present, it is considered safe enough to be sold over the counter. In contrast with other opioid agonists, loperamide is a peripherally acting μ-receptor agonist exerting its effects mainly on the myenteric plexus of the gastrointestinal longitudinal muscle layer. It decreases peristalsis and fluid secretion resulting in longer gastrointestinal transit time. The bioavailability of the drug is extremely low. Moreover, it is actively excluded from the central nervous system; hence, it lacks the central effects of euphoria and analgesia at the recommended dosages. Loperamide abuse has been steadily increasing in the United States. Abusers typically ingest high doses in desire to achieve a satisfactory central nervous system drug penetration. This has made it a potential over the counter substitute for self-treating opioid withdrawal symptoms and achieving euphoric effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Akel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Soad Bekheit
- Department of Electrophysiology, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
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15
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Characterization of loperamide-mediated block of hERG channels at physiological temperature and its proarrhythmia propensity. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 88:109-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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16
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Salama A, Levin Y, Jha P, Alweis R. Ventricular fibrillation due to overdose of loperamide, the "poor man's methadone". J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2017; 7:222-226. [PMID: 29046747 PMCID: PMC5637705 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2017.1351290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Loperamide is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal agent that is considered by many patients to be safe, but has been used as a drug of abuse due to its opioid properties. However, cardiotoxicity has been reported, prompting the FDA to release a warning regarding the arrhythmogenic potential of loperamide. We present a case of a 38-year-old female presenting with cardiac arrest thought to be secondary to abuse of the loperamide that she was using to alleviate the heroin withdrawal symptoms. Cardiac ischemia and other drug toxicities were ruled out. Loperamide induces QTc prolongation and cardiac dysrhythmias. She had recurrent ventricular arrhythmias with multiple cardiac arrests. The persistence of the cardiotoxicity for a longer duration than previously reported in the literature is unique in this clinical presentation. We also highlight the potential mechanisms for loperamide cardiotoxicity and its challenging management. Abbreviations: ACLS: Advanced cardiac life support; GI: Gastrointestinal
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Salama
- Department of Medicine, Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yana Levin
- Department of Medicine, Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Pramod Jha
- Department of Medicine, Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard Alweis
- Department of Medicine, Unity Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,School of Health Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
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Smith NA, Sehring M, Chambers J. Loperamide abuse and cardiotoxicity. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2017; 7:275. [PMID: 29046761 PMCID: PMC5637653 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2017.1361294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nichole A Smith
- Saint Francis Medical Center, UICOMP, UICOMP Internal Medicine Residency Program, Peoria, IL,
| | - Matthew Sehring
- Saint Francis Medical Center, UICOMP, UICOMP Internal Medicine Residency Program, Peoria, IL,
| | - Jefferson Chambers
- Saint Francis Medical Center, UICOMP, UICOMP Internal Medicine Residency Program, Peoria, IL,
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Deng C, Deng B, Jia L, Tan H. Efficacy of long-acting release octreotide for preventing chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014916. [PMID: 28637728 PMCID: PMC5623438 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diarrhoea is a common adverse effect induced by chemotherapy that can reduce the dose of chemotherapeutic drugs or interrupt the chemotherapy schedule. The current treatment strategies have various limitations. It has been shown that long-acting release octreotide (octreotide LAR) can decrease the occurrence and severity of diarrhoea, yet the efficacy of octreotide LAR in preventing chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea (CID) remains to be assessed. The main objective of this paper was to draw up a protocol for systematic review to evaluate the protective effects of octreotide LAR on CID. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data and the VIP Database without language restrictions from inception until 1 September 2016. The references of relevant studies were also manually searched. Two investigators independently accessed the selected studies, extracted data and assessed the reliability of the studies. Any discrepancies were resolved by a third investigator. The effect size of the selected studies was assessed by different measures based on the type of data. The selected studies were descriptively analysed. We then chose a fixed-effect model or a random-effect model based on statistical homogeneity, and pooled data from the studies for meta-analysis, if possible. The primary outcome was the incidence of diarrhoea. The secondary outcomes were the duration of diarrhoea, incidence of diarrhoea-associated symptoms, physical function and quality of life. All statistical analyses were performed by Review Manager V.5.3. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This systematic review did not require ethics approval, because it included aggregated published data, and not individual patient data. The review was published in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION This systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD 42016048573).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Deng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huangying Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wu PE, Juurlink DN. Clinical Review: Loperamide Toxicity. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 70:245-252. [PMID: 28506439 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Loperamide is a nonprescription opioid widely used for the treatment of diarrhea. Although it is relatively safe at therapeutic doses, increasing reports describe its misuse and abuse at very high doses either for euphoric effects or to attenuate symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Life-threatening loperamide toxicity can result from the relatively new clinical syndrome of loperamide-induced cardiac toxicity. These patients are often young and may present in cardiac arrest or with unheralded, recurrent syncope in conjunction with ECG abnormalities, including marked QT-interval prolongation, QRS-interval widening, and ventricular dysrhythmias. Features of conventional opioid toxicity may also be present. The mainstays of treatment include advanced cardiac life support and supportive care, although selected patients may be candidates for overdrive pacing, intravenous lipid emulsion, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In patients who survive loperamide toxicity, consideration should be given to the treatment of an underlying opioid use disorder, if present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Wu
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - David N Juurlink
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences and Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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“Poor man’s methadone” can kill the poor man. Extra-medical uses of loperamide: a review. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-017-0365-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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