Table 3.

Risk factors for QTc interval prolongation and implications regarding the use of ziprasidone

Risk factor	Suggestion
Diagnosed or suspected congenital long QT syndrome	Ziprasidone treatment should be avoided
Personal or family history of syncope	Ziprasidone treatment should be avoided
Family history of sudden unexplained death	Ziprasidone treatment should be avoided
Cardiac disease, with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, or congestive heart failure	Ziprasidone treatment should be avoided
Bradycardia	Ziprasidone treatment should be avoided
Central nervous system lesions (eg, stroke, infection, trauma, Parkinson’s disease)	Ziprasidone treatment should be avoided
Interaction with other drugs that can prolong the QTc interval (see Table 4)	Ziprasidone should not be used if exposure to other drugs that prolong the QTc interval can not be avoided
Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia)	Ziprasidone should not be used unless the electrolyte imbalance is corrected
Use of diuretics, kidney disease	Patients at risk of electrolyte imbalances should have baseline measurements and regular monitoring of potassium and magnesium levels