Premature ventricular contractions associated with isotretinoin use

An Bras Dermatol. 2016 Nov-Dec;91(6):820-821. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20165138.

Abstract

Isotretinoin has been considered a unique drug for acne treatment. However, it is associated with numerous adverse effects. Isotretinoin can trigger premature ventricular contractions. This report describes a 33-year-old-woman who presented with palpitations for 1 week while undergoing 1-month isotretinoin treatment for mild-moderate facial acne. An electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring showed premature ventricular contractions during isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Roche) treatment. Isotretinoin-related premature ventricular contractions were strongly suggested in this case due to the existence of documented premature ventricular contractions on electrocardiograms and the disappearance of these premature ventricular contractions two weeks after termination of the treatment To the authors' knowledge, there has been 1 reported case of premature ventricular contractions linked to isotretinoin use; this report describes a second such case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / chemically induced*
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / physiopathology

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Isotretinoin