Delayed bupropion cardiotoxicity associated with elevated serum concentrations of bupropion but not hydroxybupropion

S. A. Al-Abri, J. P. Orengo, S. Hayashi, K. L. Thoren, N. L. Benowitz, K. R. Olson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Context. Bupropion overdose commonly causes generalized seizures and central nervous system depression. Less commonly, cardiotoxicity has been reported. The toxicity of the parent drug compared to its active metabolite hydroxybupropion is uncertain. Case details. A 31-year-old man presented to the emergency department with altered mental status after an intentional overdose of bupropion. Three hours after admission he developed status epilepticus requiring intubation, and 13 h after admission he developed marked widening of the QRS complex and prolongation of the QTc interval. Serial serum bupropion levels peaked with the onset of cardiotoxicity (334 ng/mL) and fell into the therapeutic range within 24 h, which coincided with normalization of his ECG intervals. Levels of the metabolite hydroxybupropion peaked later (4302 ng/mL) and remained elevated even after neurological and cardiotoxic symptoms resolved. Discussion. Cardiotoxicity appears to be caused primarily by bupropion rather than its active metabolite hydroxybupropion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1230-1234
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Toxicology
Volume51
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bupropion
  • Cardiotoxicity
  • Hydroxybupropion
  • Seizure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology

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