Sparfloxacin and astemizole can cause:: (A) Ventricular arrhythmia, (B) Myopathy, (C) Electrolyte imbalance, (D) Nephropathy
Answer is A. Ans. (A) Ventricular arrhythmia(Ref: KDT 8/e p764)Both sparfloxacin and astemizole blocks cardiac K+ channels in high concentration. This property may result in torsades de pointes (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia).Other drugs causing torsades de pointes are:TerfenadineCisaprideZiprasidoneGrepafloxacin