Propoxyphene-induced wide QRS complex dysrhythmia responsive to sodium bicarbonate--a case report.

Author(s): Stork CM, Redd JT, Fine K, Hoffman RS

Affiliation(s): New York City Poison Control Center, NY 10016.

Publication date & source: 1995, J Toxicol Clin Toxicol., 33(2):179-83.

Publication type: Case Reports

Propoxyphene overdose is known to cause widening of the QRS complex on ECG. We report a case of a 54-year-old female who ingested approximately 100 propoxyphene hydrochloride tablets in a suicide attempt. She developed a wide complex dysrhythmia which responded to sodium bicarbonate therapy. Propoxyphene-induced wide complex dysrhythmia responsive to sodium bicarbonate therapy has not been previously reported in the literature.