CASE REPORT
Importance of early intervention in verapamil overdose – Case Report and antidotes review
1
Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
2
Student’s Research Group at the Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
3
Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Małgorzata Drozd
Student’s Research Group at the Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Student’s Research Group at the Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
J Pre Clin Clin Res. 2021;15(3):142-147
KEYWORDS
overdosecalcium channel blockerhigh-dose insulinverapamil intoxicationtoxicologylipid emulsion therapyantidotes
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Verapamil is a widely used cardiac drug. It belongs to the non-dihydropiridine subgroup of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and is used mainly for the treatment of atrial dysrhythmias, hypertension or angina. In this article, we describe a case of poisoning with verapamil mixed with ethanol and review current treatment options. A 54-year-old female was admitted to the Toxicology Clinic by emergency medical services after ingesting sustained-release CCBs and ethanol in a suicidal attempt. The patient was successfully treated by administration of catecholamines and calcium, and the introduction of a high-dose insulin infusion (HDI).
Conclusions:
This case report emphasizes that even in severe poisoning, early and proper intervention may prevent circulatory breakdown. It also summarizes treatment options in patients after verapamil overdose. Along with decontamination, administration of catecholamines and correcting electrolyte abnormalities, the main options are HDI and lipid emulsion therapy (LET)
Verapamil is a widely used cardiac drug. It belongs to the non-dihydropiridine subgroup of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and is used mainly for the treatment of atrial dysrhythmias, hypertension or angina. In this article, we describe a case of poisoning with verapamil mixed with ethanol and review current treatment options. A 54-year-old female was admitted to the Toxicology Clinic by emergency medical services after ingesting sustained-release CCBs and ethanol in a suicidal attempt. The patient was successfully treated by administration of catecholamines and calcium, and the introduction of a high-dose insulin infusion (HDI).
Conclusions:
This case report emphasizes that even in severe poisoning, early and proper intervention may prevent circulatory breakdown. It also summarizes treatment options in patients after verapamil overdose. Along with decontamination, administration of catecholamines and correcting electrolyte abnormalities, the main options are HDI and lipid emulsion therapy (LET)
FUNDING
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors have no disclosures to declare.
Marzęda P, Drozd M, Tchórz M, Kisiel K. Importance of early intervention in verapamil overdose. Case report and antidotes review. J Pre-Clin
Clin Res. 2021; 15(3): 142–147. doi: 10.26444/jpccr/139037
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