Drug-induced prolongation of the qt interval: implications for dental prescribing

Prolongation of the QT interval, as measured on an electrocardiogram, can result in a ventricular arrhythmia known as torsade de pointes (TdP), which can be fatal. Individual drugs and interactions between drugs can pose a risk of QT interval prolongation. Some antimicrobial drugs on the Dental Practitioners' Formulary are associated with a risk of QT interval prolongation. An awareness of QT interval prolongation is critical for safe dental prescribing, particularly for patients with recognized risk factors, including cardiac disease and hepatic/renal impairment. CPD/Clinical Relevance: For patients at risk of QT interval prolongation, certain antimicrobials that can be prescribed by general dental practitioners have the potential to cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.