[Attempted suicide with verapamil]

A 26-year old woman took 4000 mg (100 tablets) of VerpamilR (Orion Pharmaceutica, Helsinki) with suicidal intestions. As a consequence of the poisoning cardiogenic shock, 3rd grade AV block and cardiac arrest occurred. The disturbance of stimulus formation and conduction was treated with a temporary pacemaker. Discussing the therapeutical possibilities it is stated that cardiovascular symptoms may be influenced successfully by Ca++ preparations (Calcium gluconicum, Calcium chloratum) and beta-receptor stimulants (isoproterenol, dopamine, orciprenalin) possibly also with glucagon.