Calcium channel blockers overdose: Difference between revisions
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Calcium channel blockers are a class of medication used to treat high blood pressure. | Calcium channel blockers are a class of medication used to treat high blood pressure. | ||
Calcium channel blocker overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. | Calcium channel blocker overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication. | ||
==Prognosis== | |||
Taking too much of this medication can be extremely dangerous. Death can occur, especially with verapamil. If your low heart rate and blood pressure can be corrected survival is likley. Survival depends on how much and what type of this medication you take along with how quickly you seek medical treatment. | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
| Line 25: | Line 28: | ||
EKG findings in calcium channel blocker overdose include: | EKG findings in calcium channel blocker overdose include: | ||
* [[Sinus bradycardia]] | * [[Sinus bradycardia]] | ||
* 2nd and 3rd degree [[heart block]] | * 2nd and 3rd degree [[heart block]] | ||
* Sinus arrest with nodal escape rhythms | * Sinus arrest with nodal escape rhythms | ||
* [[Accelerated atrioventricular node conduction]] | |||
* [[Asystole]] | * [[Asystole]] | ||
==Treatment== | |||
* Early treatment with high [[insulin]]/[[glucose]] to treat severe calcium channel blocker overdose. | |||
* Airway protection to prevent [[vomiting]] and [[aspiration]]. | |||
* [[Activated charcoal]] | |||
* Breathing tube (artificial respiration) | |||
* Fluids through a vein (by IV) | |||
* [[Laxative]] | |||
* Medications to increase heart rate and blood pressure, and help reverse poisoning | |||
* Tube through the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach ([[gastric lavage]]) | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Latest revision as of 12:50, 24 September 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Calcium channel blockers are a class of medication used to treat high blood pressure. Calcium channel blocker overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Prognosis
Taking too much of this medication can be extremely dangerous. Death can occur, especially with verapamil. If your low heart rate and blood pressure can be corrected survival is likley. Survival depends on how much and what type of this medication you take along with how quickly you seek medical treatment.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Slow heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Electrocardiogram
EKG findings in calcium channel blocker overdose include:
- Sinus bradycardia
- 2nd and 3rd degree heart block
- Sinus arrest with nodal escape rhythms
- Accelerated atrioventricular node conduction
- Asystole
Treatment
- Early treatment with high insulin/glucose to treat severe calcium channel blocker overdose.
- Airway protection to prevent vomiting and aspiration.
- Activated charcoal
- Breathing tube (artificial respiration)
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Laxative
- Medications to increase heart rate and blood pressure, and help reverse poisoning
- Tube through the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)