Description
Calcium channel blockers are blood pressure medications. Overdoses can occur accidentally or intentionally. Severe overdoses can result in very low blood pressure, slow heart rates and death. Common drugs in this class are: Amlodipine (Norvasc), Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor), Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan). Accidental ingestion of even one pill in an infant requires immediate medical attention as it can be serious and even fatal.
Symptoms
Confusion, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fainting, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, seizure, death.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are done to identify the organ damage done by the overdose, and to rule out other causes of the symptoms. The diagnosis is made through the history since blood levels may not be readily available.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine and serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are done to identify the organ damage done by the overdose, and to rule out other causes of the symptoms. The diagnosis is made through the history since blood levels may not be readily available.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine and serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Treatment
Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment may include Intravenous fluids, glucagon, glucose, insulin and calcium infusions. Intubation and medications to raise the blood pressure (such as norepinephrine) may be necessary.