sertindole

Last reviewed 01/2018

• a phenylindole derivative
• binds to striatal D2 receptors
• sertindole is effective against positive symptoms of schizophrenia while not causing anticholinergic or extrapyrimidal side effects

Cardiac side effects:

• sertindole causes a prolonged QT interval in 1-2% of patients - therefore treatment with sertindole may precipitate cardiac arrythmias
• it is mandatory for an ECG to be performed before and during treatment
• sertindole may interact with antihistamines such as terfenidine and astemizole, as well as antiarrhythmics and tricyclic antidepressants
• sertindole is contraindicated if there is a low serum potassium

The availability of sertindole was voluntarily suspended by the manufacturers in December of 1998. This was following reports of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death associated with the use of sertindole.

Reference:

• BJGP (1999), 49 (446), 745-9