Proarrhythmic potential of metoclopramide in a sensitive whole‐heart model

Abstract Background Metoclopramide (MCP) is a dopamine D 2 ‐receptor antagonist, mainly used to treat post‐operative or chemotherapy‐induced nausea. While it very effective in the cure of gastric symptoms, MCP can cause severe neurologic side effects. Furthermore, there growing evidence for arrhythmic effects resulting from inhibitory on cardiac sodium and potassium channels. Methods Results Thirteen hearts New Zealand white rabbits were retrogradely perfused, electrophysiology studies performed obtain action potential duration (APD 90 ) refractory period (ERP). After generating baseline data, perfused with increasing concentrations metoclopramide (MCP 10 µM, 50 100 µM) standardized protocol was repeated each concentration. Perfusion resulted significant prolongation APD QT interval. In parallel, incidence ventricular tachycardias significantly increased by high doses MCP. Conclusion This first experimental study that investigated effect sensitive whole‐heart model proarrhythmia. led increase interval; meanwhile, number increased.