Hospital pharmacy
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There have been 3 published reports (4 cases) of symptomatic sinus bradycardia occurring after intravenous (IV) administration of the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist ondansetron. We report a fifth case in which the patient developed asystole after rechallenge with ondansetron. ⋯ Sinus bradycardia after IV administration of ondansetron was observed in a 36-year-old pregnant patient status post cerclage. On rechallenge, the patient went into asystole. This case report adds to the available literature regarding ondansetron-induced cardiac arrhythmias and the possibility of asystole upon rechallenge.
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Colchicine is one of the oldest medications still in use today and is commonly used for the treatment of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Its anti-inflammatory properties have raised the question of its utility in managing several cardiovascular diseases, including postoperative atrial fibrillation and pericarditis. This article will review the evidence for colchicine in these conditions and provide recommendations for use.