Yew plants (from which paclitaxel was derived) contain Taxine A and B which at toxic levels can cause bradycardia, dysrhythmias, hypotension, seizures, and cardiac arrest. By what mechanism does this occur?
An increase in cytoplasmic calcium via a dose-dependent inhibition of both calcium channel and fast sodium channels in cardiac myocytes.
Wilson CR, Sauer J, Hooser SB. Taxines: a review of the mechanism and toxicity of yew (Taxus spp.) alkaloids. Toxicon. 2001 Feb-Mar;39(2-3):175-85. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(00)00146-x. PMID: 10978734.
Contributed by: Emily Plasencia, PharmD on behalf of the Acute & Intensive Care
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