Citation

Grimm W, Hoffmann J, Wilke A, Gehrke D, Rahn J, Noll B, Maisch B. Intensiv- und Notfallbehandlung 1994; 19(3): 145-148.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Dustri-Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An intoxication after ingestion of 30 slow-release verapamil tabletts with 240 mg each in combination with half a bottle of spirits by a 24 year old female alcoholic in an attempt of suicide is reported. The alcohol plasma level at admission was 2,6‰. The verapamil serum concentration was 1357 ng/g 24 hours after ingestion and fell to 943 ng/g 12 hours later. Due to the occurrence of a 2nd degree AV-block type Wenckebach with intermittent asymptomatic 3rd degree AV-block with a junctional escape rhythm of 60/min, a temporary pacemaker was inserted prophylactically 20 hours after verapamil-ingestion. Later, the patient became pacemaker-dependant due to complete atrial and ventricular asystolie. Despite pronounced bradyarrhythmias including complete asystolie, the patient remained hemodynamically stable under temporary pacing therapy and, therefore, no additional specific therapy such as intravenous application of calcium or catecholamines was necessary.

Language: de

Keywords

adult; human; female; alcohol; case report; alcohol intoxication; emergency medicine; article; drug intoxication; verapamil; atrioventricular block; 3rd degree AV-block; calcium antagonists; verapamil-intoxication