Which medication class is commonly associated with drug-induced long QT syndrome?

The correct answer is associated with certain antipsychotics due to their potential to prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram. This effect can lead to serious arrhythmias, such as Torsades de Pointes, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Antipsychotic medications, particularly those that are newer and are classified as atypical antipsychotics, as well as some older typical antipsychotics, have been documented to increase the risk of long QT syndrome as a side effect.

While other medication classes can also have interactions that lead to QT prolongation, certain antipsychotics have a well-defined association with this risk. Their mechanism may involve blockade of cardiac potassium channels, specifically the hERG potassium channels, which are crucial for cardiac repolarization. Monitoring of the QT interval is essential in patients prescribed these medications, especially in vulnerable populations or when used concomitantly with other drugs that affect the QT interval.

In contrast, although other medication classes like antidepressants may also influence the QT interval, their association is not as universally recognized or significant as that observed with certain antipsychotics. Understanding the risk factors associated with each class is crucial for clinicians in preventing drug-induced long QT syndrome in patients.