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Severe, acute propoxyphene overdose treated with dopamine
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Dopamine infusion effectively reversed cardiovascular failure in patients with propoxyphene overdose. This treatment improved blood pressure, urine output, and central venous pressure, aiding circulatory recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Propoxyphene overdose can lead to severe cardiovascular compromise.
- Cardiogenic shock and circulatory collapse are significant risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of dopamine in treating propoxyphene-induced cardiovascular failure.
- To assess hemodynamic and clinical responses to dopamine infusion.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with propoxyphene overdose and cardiovascular failure were treated.
- Dopamine infusion was administered at doses ranging from 2-17 microgram/kg/min.
- Hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, central venous pressure, urinary output) and ECGs were monitored.
Main Results:
- All patients showed improved systolic arterial blood pressure and urinary output.
- Central venous pressure decreased in all treated patients.
- Two severely affected patients did not exhibit increased heart rate despite chronotropic dopamine doses.
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) normalized in two out of three patients with initial abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine appears to be a suitable treatment for reversing propoxyphene-induced circulatory failure.
- The drug demonstrates beneficial hemodynamic effects in this overdose scenario.
- Further investigation may be warranted for specific patient responses.