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Calcium antagonist overdose
Definition This is poisoning from swallowing a large amount of a calcium antagonist, a drug to treat high blood pressure. Poisonous Ingredient Any of the following: - Amlodipine
- Bepridil
- Diltiazem
- Felodipine
- Isradipine
- Nicardipine
- Nifedipine
- Nimodipine
- Verapamil
Note: This list may not be all inclusive. Where Found - Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Bepridil (Vascor)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)
- Felodipine (Plendil)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc)
- Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
- Nimodipine (Nimotop)
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
Note: This list may not be all inclusive. Symptoms - Weakness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heartbeat
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Home Treatment Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care provider. Before Calling Emergency Determine the following information: - Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. See National Poison Control center. What to expect at the emergency room The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive: - Methods to make the person throw up
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Expectations (prognosis) Patients usually do not die from this type of overdose, although some deaths have been reported. Patients with heart beat or blood pressure changes usually need to stay in the hospital. Review date: 4/4/2006 Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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