Pharmacology and Review of Evidence
Introduction
Myocardial depression, bradycardia, and hypotension result from both CCB and BB toxicity
Management of hemodynamic instability resulting from toxicity of CCBs and/or BBs follows similar principles
GI decontamination may be warranted for patients who have ingested significant amounts of BB or CCB
Initial management options include glucagon, high-dose insulin, calcium, and catecholamines with betaadrenergic activity
Symptoms should occur within 6 hours post-ingestion, with the exception of sotalol and extended release formulations
Pharmacology and Review of Evidence
Conclusion
Evidence for CCB and BB toxicity is increasing but still limited to case reports and case series
In the setting of toxic CCB and/or BB ingestions, there are a variety of therapeutic modalities available
Treatment may require combined use of the agents described above
Contact your regional poison center: 1-800-222-1222
References
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3. Holger JS, et al. High-dose insulin: a consecutive case series in toxin-induced cardiogenic shock. Clin Toxicol. 2011;49:653–658.
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9. Doepker B, Healy W, Cortez E, Adkins EJ. High-dose insulin and intravenous lipid emulsion therapy for cardiogenic shock induced by intentional calcium-channel blocker and beta-blocker overdose: a case series. The Journal of emergency medicine. 2014 Apr 1;46(4):486-90.
10. Meany CJ, Sare H, Hayes BD, Gonzales JP. Intravenous lipid emulsion in the management of amlodipine overdose. Hosp Pharm. 2013:48(10):848-54.
11. Lashari BH, Minalyan A, Khan W, Naglak M, Ward W. The use of high-dose insulin infusion and lipid emulsion therapy in concurrent beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdose. Cureus 10(11):e3534. DOI 10.7759/cureus.3534
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