Pharmacy Services

Ziprasidone (Geodon) and Fluoroquinolones - Increased Risk of QT Interval Prolongation with Combined Use

December 16, 2003

The combination of ziprasidone (Geodon) and fluoroquinolones should be avoided. The package insert for ziprasidone specifically that concurrent therapy with any agent known to prolong QT interval, including gatifloxacin (Tequin) or moxifloxacin (Avelox) is contraindicated.1,2 Fluoroquinolones as a class are known to prolong QT interval.3 Additionally, the package insert for gatifloxacin also recommends avoiding concomitant use of any agent that can cause QT prolongation.4 More information on drug induced QT prolongation, including lists of common agents, can be found at http://intranet.uuhsc.utah.edu/pharmacy/newsletters/qt_prolongation.pdf (interval use)

References

  1. Geodon [product information]. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2002.
  2. FDA MedWatch 2002 Safety Alert - Geodon (ziprasidone HCl). Available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm154501.htm Accessed 12/16/03.
  3. Owens RC. Risk assessment for antimicrobial agent-induced QTc interval prolongation and torsades de pointes. Pharmacotherapy 2001; 21:301-319.
  4. Tequin [product information]. Princeton, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb; 2003.

Updated
December 16, 2003; University of Utah, Drug Information Service. Copyright 2009, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.