Reactions 459 - 10 Jul 1993

Imipramine

ECG abnormalities: incidence studyThe electrocardiographic (ECG) effects of imipramine were

examined in a group of children with behavioural disordersincluding oppositional behaviour, conduct disorders, anddepression.

23 children aged 5-17 years were treated with imipramine1.5-5 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks Imipramine therapy wasassociated with prolongation of the PR interval, increasedheart rate, and widening of the resting QRS complex. Onlyrandom changes were seen in the corrected QT interval andimipramine was not associated with clinically significantpostural hypotension.

Author comment: A resting corrected QT interval > 450msec or a bundle-branch heart block should be taken ascontraindication to tricyclic antidepressant therapy. Patientswith a family history of sudden death, a baseline PR intervalabove the 90th percentile for age, or conductionabnormalities, should be carefully monitored.Fletcher SE, et al. Prospective study of the electrocardiographic effects ofimipramine in children. Journal of Pediatrics 122: 652-654, Apr 1993 -USA 800205318

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Reactions 10 Jul 1993 No. 4590114-9954/10/0459-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved