Is Primidone the Drug of Choice for Epileptic Patients with QT-prolongation? A Comprehensive Analysis of Literature

Sudden unexplained/unexpected death (SUDEP) in epilepsy is a major cause of death accounting for 7-17% of the mortality among epileptic patients. Prolongation of QT-interval has been issued as a major mechanism in SUDEP since it is associated with fatal cardiac arrhythmias. This condition may be further precipitated by anti-epileptic treatment. Despite thorough literature research, we did not find any reports suggesting that primidone is responsible for QT-prolongation. On the contrary, all the retrieved reports addressed that the drug shortened QT-interval and corrected signs and symptoms of the underlying disease.