[Acute beta blocker poisoning]

It is reported of acute beta-blocker intoxications in 34 patients (16 with talinolol, 18 with propranolol ingestion). The mean ingestion dose was for talinolol 2.5 g, for propranolol 1.55 g, the mean time of latency up to the appearance of intoxication symptoms 116 min after intake of talinolol, 79 min after intake of propranolol. The picture of intoxication was characterized in the two substances by the antiadrenergic effects, there was no more a cardioselectivity in the high ingestion doses. In talinolol were in the first place dysrhythmias, hypotension and vomiting and nausea, respectively, in propranolol central-nervous symptoms and hypotension. Substance-specific intoxication symptoms are also possible. In mixed intoxications alcohol accelerated the beginning of the effect, sedatives prolonged the latency. Threatening of life is to be expected in ingestion doses over 2 g. In 6 patients the course was lethal after extreme doses of talinolol - according to the present experiences due to the too late beginning of therapy and/or insufficient intensity of therapy. Distinct intoxication symptoms need extremely high applications of antidotes of beta-stimulants, in their inffectiveness glucagon. Furthermore, treatment with cardiac pacemakers and 24-hour control in an intensive care unit proved necessary.