Citation

Pertoldi F, D'Orlando L, Mercante WP. Ann. Emerg. Med. 1998; 31(6): 777-781.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American College of Emergency Physicians, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/s0196-0644(98)70241-0

PMID

9624322

Abstract

Electromechanical dissociation (EMD) occurred in a 20-year-old woman 48 hours after an overdose of atenolol, despite intensive treatment of the beta-blocker poisoning (gastric lavage, charcoal, glucagon, epinephrine, atropine, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, administration of fluids, cardiac pacing, and mechanical ventilation). Administration of calcium chloride during EMD repeatedly restored blood pressure. Therefore it may have a role to play in management of atenolol overdose.

Language: en

Keywords

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Antihypertensive Agents; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Atenolol; Blood Pressure; Calcium Chloride; Drug Overdose; Electrocardiography; Female; Gastric Lavage; Heart Conduction System; Humans; Hydrochlorothiazide; Respiration, Artificial; Suicide, Attempted