Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Ciprofloxacin: A Rare Adverse Effect

Abstract

Despite their adverse effects, fluoroquinolones continue to be commonly prescribed antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin remains the safest with remarkably few adverse effects of all fluoroquinolones. Here, we present a rare case of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation induced by ciprofloxacin intake in a 72-year-old woman. She was treated with ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone for urinary tract infection caused by Klebsiella pneumonia and complicated with liver abscess. On the fifth day of ciprofloxacin intake, she suddenly complained of heart palpitations and epigastric pain. An electrocardiogram revealed supraventricular tachycardia type atrial fibrillation at 130 beats per minute. No QT interval prolongation was noted. Ciprofloxacin was stopped as it was the most incriminated to induce arrhythmia. A control electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm. We continued ceftriaxone use solely for 3 weeks until the resolution of the liver abscess. Although rare, early detection of atrial fibrillation induced by ciprofloxacin may decrease the severity of complications and prevent death.