Anti-addiction drug ibogaine inhibits voltage-gated ionic currents: a study to assess the drug's cardiac ion channel profile.
Toxicology and applied pharmacology December 1, 2013 Xaver Koenig, Michael Kovar, Lena Rubi et al. 46 citations
Ibogaine, a plant alkaloid used to treat drug addiction despite not being licensed, inhibits hERG potassium channels at low micromolar concentrations, which could disturb heart rhythm. At higher concentrations, it also reduces sodium and calcium currents. Its congener 18-MC blocks these ion channels with less potency. Unexpectedly, ibogaine did not prolong action potentials in guinea pig cardiomyocytes at low concentrations, and higher concentrations shortened them, likely because calcium channel inhibition counteracts hERG blockade effects. However, computer modeling of human ventricular cells suggested ibogaine does prolong the action potential in humans. The authors conclude therapeutic concentrations may prolong the QT interval, potentially leading to cardiac arrhythmias.