Which antipsychotics cause QT prolongation?

As a healthcare professional with expertise in pharmacology, I can provide you with information on antipsychotic medications and their potential to cause QT prolongation, which is a heart rhythm condition that can be associated with a risk of serious irregular heart rhythms or sudden death. Several antipsychotic medications have been associated with QT prolongation, and it's important for healthcare providers to be aware of this risk when prescribing these medications. The risk can vary depending on the specific drug, dosage, and individual patient factors such as pre-existing heart conditions or use of other medications that can also affect the QT interval. Some antipsychotics that have been reported to cause QT prolongation include: 1. Ziprasidone - This drug has a known risk and is often listed as a caution for healthcare providers due to its potential to prolong the QT interval. 2. Quetiapine - While it is less commonly associated with QT prolongation compared to ziprasidone, cases have been reported. 3. Aripiprazole - There have been some reports of QT prolongation, but it is generally considered to have a lower risk compared to ziprasidone. 4. Olanzapine - Similar to aripiprazole, olanzapine has fewer reports of QT prolongation but still carries a risk that should be considered. 5. Chlorpromazine - This older antipsychotic has also been associated with QT prolongation. It's important to note that not all antipsychotic medications carry the same risk for QT prolongation, and some are considered safer in this regard. When prescribing antipsychotic medications, healthcare providers should consider the patient's medical history, the potential for drug interactions, and the benefits versus risks of each medication.

QT interval changes were investigated for the new generation antipsychotic drugs risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and olanzapine along with thioridazine and haloperidol in the Pfizer 054 study. Thioridazine and ziprasidone were associated with the greatest degree of drug-induced QTc interval prolongation.