Cardiac Arrhythmias during Cytotoxic Chemotherapy: Role of Domperidone

Abstract

1 Four patients receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy were treated with domperidone (20 mg) by slow intravenous injection followed by a continuous infusion for 24 h at a dose of 10 mg 24 h-1 kg-1. Cardiac monitoring and plasma potassium and domperidone concentration measurements were performed. Severe cardiac arrhythmias occurred in two patients. 2 A control group of 14 patients treated with similar chemotherapy, without domperidone, also underwent cardiac and plasma potassium monitoring. No significant arrhythmias were seen. 3 The electrophysiologic effects of domperidone are discussed. 4 It is concluded that treatment with intravenous domperidone is associated with the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias.