Electromechanical dissociation 48 hours after atenolol overdose: usefulness of calcium chloride

Ann Emerg Med. 1998 Jun;31(6):777-81. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(98)70241-0.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / poisoning*
  • Adult
  • Antihypertensive Agents / poisoning
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced
  • Atenolol / poisoning*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Calcium Chloride / pharmacology
  • Calcium Chloride / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Overdose / drug therapy
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gastric Lavage
  • Heart Conduction System / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydrochlorothiazide / poisoning
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Atenolol
  • Calcium Chloride