DefinePK

Abstract

AbstractObjective: To assess how many patients on high dose or mega dose antipsychotic medication had had ECG’s in accordance with the Royal College of Psychiatrists guidelines.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of all in patients at a medium secure forensic hospital was performed to see to what extent Royal College guidelines on neuroleptic prescribing were being adhered to.

Results: Twenty six (7.3%) patients were found to be on high doses and two (0.6%) on mega doses. Only twenty three percent in the high dose group had an ECG, and 7.7% had one in the previous three months.

Conclusions: A small number of patients on high dose antipsychotic medication have their ECG to monitor for the adverse drug effects. It is important that clinicians are aware of this and appropriate measures are taken to ensure patient safety. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:19-21).Key words: ECG, antipsychotic drugs, QTc interval.