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Tarka® overdose in a young child

Murat Doğan1, Murat Basaranoglu, Erdal Peker

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Yuzuncu Yil University, School of Medicine, Van, Türkiye. doganmurat.md@gmail.com

Human & Experimental Toxicology
|December 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Accidental ingestion of Tarka®, a verapamil and trandolapril combination, caused severe hypotension and bradycardia in a young child. A temporary pacemaker restored normal heart rhythm, highlighting potential toxicity risks in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Toxicology

Background:

  • Tarka® is a fixed-dose combination of verapamil hydrochloride and trandolapril used for hypertension.
  • Pediatric data on Tarka® overdose is scarce.

Observation:

  • A 3.5-year-old child ingested six Tarka® tablets, leading to lethargy and progressive hypotension.
  • Despite medical treatment, the child's condition deteriorated, requiring intervention.

Findings:

  • The patient required a temporary pacemaker implantation due to severe bradycardia and hypotension.
  • Vital signs normalized post-pacemaker implantation, with successful removal after 13 hours.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for severe toxicity from Tarka® in young children.
  • Lethargy can be an early sign of clinical deterioration in pediatric overdose cases.
  • Understanding toxic doses is crucial for managing accidental pediatric ingestions of combination antihypertensives.

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