The anti-addictive drug ibogaine modulates voltage-gated ion channels and may trigger cardiac arrhythmias
Michael Kovar, Xaver Koenig, Ágnes K. Mike, René Cervenka, Péter Lukács, Hannes Todt, Walter Sandtner, Karlheinz Hilber
BMC Pharmacology September 5, 2011 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-11-s2-a1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Humans |
| Intervention | Ibogaine |
| Topics | Addiction Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Stimulant Pharmacology Qt interval Drug Long qt syndrome Anti-arrhythmia agents Anesthesia Cardiology Atrial fibrillation Alkaloids |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Ibogaine may cause cardiac arrhythmias, including prolonged QT interval and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, linked to sudden deaths reported after its use. |
Abstract
Background Ibogaine is an alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Psychoactive properties of ibogaine have been known for decades, but more recently the drug has received much attention because of its promising “anti-addictive” actions. Thus, ibogaine and its derivatives are being studied as potential treatment for opioid and stimulant abuse, as well as for alcoholism and smoking. Because ibogaine has a complex pharmacology and is known to interact with numerous different cellular targets, its potential to generate adverse effects is significant. Besides the expected neurotoxic actions, ibogaine may e.g. also affect the heart. Thus, several cases of sudden death after ibogaine use were reported, which have been hypothesised to be related to cardiac arrhythmias. In accordance, a severely prolonged QT interval of the electrocardiogram and ventricular tachyarrhythmias were observed in a woman after she had taken ibogaine.