Atrioventricular block following lacosamide intoxication

Abstract

Lacosamide (LCM) is a novel anticonvulsant that modulates voltage-dependent sodium channels. Although it is known to cause a slight, dose-dependent prolongation of the PR interval on the ECG, third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block has been described as an adverse event in only a few patients participating in diabetic neuropathic pain studies and in no patient with epilepsy. We describe an 89-year old patient with decreased renal function and taking two other negative dromotropic agents who accidentally received two intravenous boli of 400 mg LCM within 6 hours. She had a normal PQ interval before and after the first dose of LCM and developed a reversible complete AV block approximately 30 minutes after the second bolus. We conclude that particular caution must be exercised when using very high doses of LCM in patients with significant cardial and renal risk factors.