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Updated: May 3, 2026

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Published on: June 12, 2021
Shock due to amlodipine overdose
Vimal Upreti1, V R Ratheesh2, Pawan Dhull3
1Department of Endocrinology, Command Hospital (Air Force), Bangalore, India.
Insights
Amlodipine overdose can cause severe hypotension and shock. Prompt supportive care and high-dose calcium infusion are effective treatments for amlodipine toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Amlodipine is a widely used calcium channel blocker for hypertension and angina.
- Amlodipine toxicity is a significant cause of cardiovascular drug overdoses.
- Overdoses can result in life-threatening hypotension and shock.
Observation:
- A case of severe amlodipine overdose presented with profound hypotension.
- The patient required aggressive supportive management.
Findings:
- High-dose intravenous calcium infusion was administered to counteract the calcium channel blockade.
- The patient's hypotension and shock were successfully reversed with this intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of early and aggressive supportive care in amlodipine overdose.
- Intravenous calcium infusion is a key therapeutic strategy for managing amlodipine toxicity.
- Effective management can lead to favorable outcomes in severe amlodipine poisoning.
Abstract:
Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed calcium channel blocker. Its toxicity is the leading cause of drug overdose seen in the practice of cardiovascular medicine. It can lead to profound hypotension and shock. Management involves early and aggressive supportive measures and calcium infusion in large doses to overcome competitive blockade. We report one such case that presented with amlodipine overdose and was successfully managed.
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