Presentation
In overdose, beta-blockers and CCBs have similar presentation and treatment overlaps and are often refractory to standard resuscitation measures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
A comprehensive textbook of adult emergency medicine for trainee doctors - covers all the problems likely to present to a trainee in the emergency department. [books.google.de]
Entire Body System
- Hypothermia
Signs and Symptoms: Bradycardia: Hypotension: Seizures: EKG changes: Sinus or nodal bradycardia First-degree AV block QRS prolongation (slight) QT Prolongation Hypothermia, hypoglycemia can occur but are less common. [calsprogram.org]
His urine output reduced, and he developed hypothermia. Cardiac evaluation by a senior cardiologist with bedside ECHO and enzymes ruled out any cardiac pathology. [ijccm.org]
Cardiac arrest in special circumstances: Electrolyte abnormalities, poisoning, drowning, accidental hypothermia, hyperthermia, asthma, anaphylaxis, cardiac surgery, trauma, pregnancy, electrocution". [en.wikipedia.org]
Differential Diagnosis of Low and Slow Non-toxicological causes: MI with cardiogenic shock Hyperkalemia Myxedema coma Spinal cord injury Hypothermia Toxicological causes: Calcium channel blockers Beta-blockers Digoxin Opiates Alpha-2 antagonists (e.g. [emergencymedicinecases.com]
- Congestive Heart Failure
By Stephen Thornton, MD Introduction β-adrenergic antagonists (beta-blockers) (BBs) are commonly used for treatment of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and tachydysrhythmias. β-adrenergic antagonists has also been used to treat congestive heart [calpoison.org]
They are recommended for the treatment of congestive heart failure by American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force. [1] [2] Etiology The etiology of beta-blocker overdose is closely related to the epidemiology of depression [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
(Toxbase) Editor Comment AICD, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; BP, blood pressure; CHF, congestive heart failure; CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; CVP, central venous pressure; ED, emergency department; GCS, Glasgow Coma Scale; HOCM [bestbets.org]
[…] placed in his right coronary artery 2 years ago), congestive heart failure with an ejection fraction of 40%, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus type II, osteoarthritis, depression. Medications and Allergies: Only provide medication list [slideshare.net]
- Fatigue
While CNS manifestations secondary to beta-blocker overdose are primarily attributed to lipophilicity, water-soluble beta blockers, for example, atenolol, may also cause tiredness and fatigue. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Appears slightly fatigued. Cardiovascular: Bradycardia with regular rhythm. Lungs: Scattered rhonchi and end-expiratory wheezes bilaterally, with no rales. All other physical examination results were normal however the patient got worse during the [slideshare.net]
Respiratoric
- Dyspnea
He has had mild dyspnea on exertion, a persistent dry cough, and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diaphoresis, and hemoptysis. He has had a decreased appetite for one week. [slideshare.net]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
Side effects: Anticholinergic effects = 1) CNS effects, 2) GI – decreased saliva, nausea, vomiting, ileus, 3) GU – urinary retention, 4) CV – tachycardia (obviously) and arrhythmias, 5) Eyes – blurry vision 2. [errolozdalga.com]
Glucagon-treated patients should be monitored for side effects of nausea, vomiting, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. The high cost and limited availability of glucagon may be the only factors precluding its future clinical acceptance. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] channel blocker toxicity Other names Calcium channel blocker poisoning, calcium channel blocker overdose A 20% lipid emulsion commonly used for calcium channel blocker toxicity Specialty Emergency medicine Symptoms Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea [en.wikipedia.org]
Consider pretreating with an antiemetic as nausea can be a side effect. Monitor the potassium levels frequently due to the potassium shift caused by the glucagon. [calsprogram.org]
Cardiovascular
- Hypotension
The common feature of beta-blocker toxicity is excessive blockade of the beta-receptors resulting in bradycardia and hypotension. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Glucagon administration is indicated for hypotension, bradycardia or conduction impairment. It may also be effective in treating hypotension in calcium channel blocker and other overdoses with cardiac toxicity. [ww2.mc.vanderbilt.edu]
Clinical features usually present within 4 h of ingestion, can be delayed for 6-12 hours for sustained released formulation Cardiovascular hypotension, bradycardia & heart block congestive cardiac failure ECG - bradycardia, 1st AV block, intraventricular [aic.cuhk.edu.hk]
We report a case with an uneventful intraoperative period but profound bradycardia and hypotension postoperatively, only relieved with high-dose insulin therapy. [ijccm.org]
Neurologic
- Seizure
[…] blockers with high lipid solubility cause more adverse CNS effects, and a higher volume of distribution makes extracorpeal removal less effective (eg Carvedilol, propanolol) � blockers with membrane stabilizing activity associates with higher risk of seizure [aic.cuhk.edu.hk]
A depressed level of consciousness and seizures may occur as a result of cellular hypoxia from poor cardiac output, a direct CNS effect caused by sodium channel blocking, or even hypoglycemia. [calsprogram.org]
Some opioids can cause seizures (i.e., meperidine). Opioids may also cause hypoperfusion, which can lead to seizures. [emergencymedicinecases.com]
Hyperkalaemia and hypo or hyperglycaemia can also be seen. 2 Seizures and coma occur in severe propranolol poisoning due to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. [emergpa.net]
Treatments (Con’t)Supportive Treatments Benzodiazepines for Seizures! [slideshare.net]
- Forgetful
[…] blocker Talking to your healthcare provider, if recommended dose of beta blocker does not provide adequate relief Refrain from self-medication Exercising caution while taking multiple drugs with beta blocker For older individuals and those who tend to be forgetful [dovemed.com]
Workup
Case Study 3 (Con’t)After initial treatment After lab work Since the patient was getting Dopamine infusion was titrated up to 20 μg/kg/minute worse, a complete blood and toxicology workup was simultaneous infusion of norepinephrine was added to try [slideshare.net]
Serum
- Hypoglycemia
In addition, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonism inhibits both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, which may result in hypoglycemia. [calsprogram.org]
[…] channel that CCB agents block Calcium Channel Blocker s result in relative Insulin Resistance and Hyperglycemia Serum Glucose >250 mg/dl (without Diabetes Mellitus ) suggests severe Overdose Contrast with Beta Blocker Overdose which is associated with Hypoglycemia [fpnotebook.com]
High-dose insulin, euglycemia can cause profound hypokalemia and hypoglycemia that can potentiate the cardiotoxicity in the setting of beta-blocker overdose. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
( seizure, delirium, coma ) Treatment Secure airway Correct hy potension : IV fluids and vasopressors ( epinephrine ) Correct bradycardia : IV atropine Treat cardiogenic shock : IV glucagon ; IV calcium salts (improves cardiac contractility) Correct hypoglycemia [amboss.com]
Hypoglycemia is more common in the pediatric population. Seizures are often witnessed following toxic propranolol exposure. [emdocs.net]
- Hyponatremia
So you can also say that the use of cardio selective beta blockers can cause: hyponatremia, hyperkalemia & a metabolic acidosis...but, this is obviously just for the sake of learning the big picture in physiology... [forums.studentdoctor.net]
Treatment
Cases refractory to fluids, atropine, and glucagon should be considered candidates for high-dose insulin, euglycemia (HIE) treatment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
If you are not familiar with the use of high-dose insulin for the treatment of beta blocker toxicity we suggest you first consult your poison control center before beginning treatment. [calsprogram.org]
Within an hour of treatment with this regime BP improved to 100/60 mmHg. [ijccm.org]
Prognosis
Beta Blocker Overdose can be life-threatening, due to possible dangerous drop in blood pressure and respiratory distress The prognosis is dependent on the dosage of beta blocker taken, the time between overdose and treatment, severity of the symptoms, [dovemed.com]
[…] blockers either by accident or on purpose [3] Differential diagnosis Beta blocker toxicity [1] Treatment Activated charcoal, whole bowel irrigation, intravenous fluids, calcium gluconate, glucagon, high dose insulin, vasopressors, lipid emulsion [1] [2] Prognosis [en.wikipedia.org]
Etiology
They are recommended for the treatment of congestive heart failure by American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force. [1] [2] Etiology The etiology of beta-blocker overdose is closely related to the epidemiology of depression [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Epidemiology
Addresses the full range of renal problems, from epidemiology to monitoring and diagnostic procedures to pathophysiology of organ systems in relation to kidney failure. [books.google.de]
Two-thirds of these patients overdosed on someone else’s medication or were using beta blockers for noncardiac indications (e.g., migraine, tremor, thyrotoxicosis). [3] [4] [5] Epidemiology In 2015, According to American Association of Poison Control [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Answer: Beta-Blocker Toxicity 1-4 Epidemiology: In 2015, U.S. poison centers received > 40,000 calls regarding beta-blocker exposures. [emdocs.net]
] There is tentative clinical evidence and good theoretical evidence of the benefit of lipid emulsion in severe overdoses of CCBs. [13] Methylene blue may also be used for those with low blood pressure that does not respond to other treatments. [11] Epidemiology [en.wikipedia.org]
Pathophysiology
Several ECG differences in acebutolol intoxication might reflect unique pathophysiologic processes relative to other beta-blockers. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Pharmacology, pathophysiology and management of calcium channel blocker and β -blocker toxicity. Toxicological Reviews. 2004;23(4):223–238. doi: 10.2165/00139709-200423040-00003. Olson, Kent Russell. Poisoning & Drug Overdose. [ww2.mc.vanderbilt.edu]
Pharmacology, pathophysiology and management of calcium channel blocker and beta-blocker toxicity. Toxicol Rev. 2004; 23(4):223-38. Doepker B, Healy W, Cortez, E and Adkins, E. [osuemed.wordpress.com]
Addresses the full range of renal problems, from epidemiology to monitoring and diagnostic procedures to pathophysiology of organ systems in relation to kidney failure. [books.google.de]
Prevention
The protective effects of ISA do not completely prevent cardiovascular toxicity following overdose. [slideplayer.com]
References: [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [6] Side effects General side effects Beta blocker withdrawal Caused by sudden termination of β blockers Clinical features : : tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia, hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, sudden cardiac death Prevention [amboss.com]
They may actually present with reflex tachycardia How to tell CCB OD from B-Blocker CCBs do not cause AMS CCBs block receptor in B-Islet cells, preventing insulin release, so can see hyperglycemia as opposed to the normal-low sugar in B-Blockers Presentation [emcrit.org]