Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Conventional and Unconventional Lifesaving Therapies in an Adolescent With Amlodipine Ingestion
Karin E Reuter-Rice1, Bradley M Peterson2
1Karin E. Reuter-Rice is an associate professor and a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation scholar, School of Nursing and School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. She is also a pediatric nurse practitioner in critical care at Duke University Health System and formerly at Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California.Bradley M. Peterson is a senior consultant to the pediatric intensive care unit, Rady Children's Hospital. karin.reuter-rice@duke.edu.
Abstract:
Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. Ingestion of an overdose leads to severe hypotension; if the hypotension is not treated, death may be imminent. Conventional and unconventional interventions were used to treat an adolescent who ingested a life-threatening dose of amlodipine. Severe hypotension resistant to conventional treatment with intralipids and hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia therapy led to the use of plasmapheresis and a pneumatic antishock garment as lifesaving measures. Plasmapheresis has been described in only one other case of severe amlodipine overdose, and the use of a pneumatic antishock garment has never been described in the management of a calcium channel blocker overdose. Because short-term use of a pneumatic antishock garment has associated risks, the critical care nurse's anticipation of side effects and promotion of safe use of the garment were instrumental in the patient's care and outcome. (Critical Care Nurse 2016; 36[4]:64-69).
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

