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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

High-Throughput Optical Controlling and Recording Calcium Signal in iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes for Toxicity Testing and Phenotypic Drug Screening

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Problem-based review: calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning.

¹University Hospitals, Coventry and Warwickshire, UK. tomheaps@hotmail.co.uk

|September 10, 2011

Summary

A massive overdose of sustained-release verapamil caused severe bradycardia and hypotension in a patient. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for managing verapamil toxicity and its cardiovascular effects.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Clinical Toxicology
Emergency Medicine

Background:

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension and arrhythmias.
Sustained-release formulations increase overdose risk due to prolonged drug absorption.
Overdosing on verapamil can lead to significant cardiovascular compromise.

Observation:

A 56-year-old female ingested 3360 mg of sustained-release verapamil.
She presented with sinus bradycardia (HR 50/min) and hypotension (BP 100/64).
ECG revealed sinus bradycardia with a prolonged PR interval.

Findings:

The patient's presentation was consistent with significant verapamil toxicity.
The overdose resulted in severe bradycardia and hypotension.

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The prolonged PR interval on ECG indicated impaired atrioventricular conduction.

Implications:

This case highlights the potential severity of verapamil overdose, even with sustained-release formulations.
Aggressive management, including supportive care and potential antidotes, is vital.
Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of verapamil is crucial for emergency physicians treating overdose patients.