The influence of cisapride and clarithromycin on QT intervals in healthy volunteers (original) (raw)

Recent incidents have highlighted potential cardiac risks associated with cisapride, particularly its interactions with clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic. This open, randomized 2-way crossover study assessed the pharmacokinetics and QT interval changes in twelve healthy volunteers receiving either drug alone or in combination. Results indicated that while clarithromycin alone caused a minimal increase in QTc intervals, cisapride led to a concentration-dependent QTc elevation. The combination of both drugs significantly augmented QTc prolongation, supporting concerns regarding their coadministration.