Citation

Cumpston KL, Aks SE, Sigg T, Pallasch E. J. Emerg. Med. 2010; 38(2): 171-174.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.11.100

PMID

18614321

Abstract

Sustained-release calcium channel blocker (CCB SR) overdoses are potentially life-threatening ingestions. These patients may not become hemodynamically unstable until many hours after ingestion. On theoretical grounds, some have suggested that whole bowel irrigation (WBI) with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution may be of value in the management of these cases. We report two cases with poor outcome (including one fatality) that were complicated by the use of WBI. Both cases were treated with WBI beginning before and continuing after developing hypotension. WBI should be avoided in the setting of the hemodynamically unstable CCB SR overdose.

Language: en

Keywords

Attitude of Health Personnel; Calcium Channel Blockers; Drug Overdose; Hemodynamics; Humans; Intestines; Male; Middle Aged; Suicide, Attempted; Therapeutic Irrigation