A case of acebutolol intoxication

A case of a nonfatal acebutolol intoxication in a 15 year old female is described. Ingestion of 7600 mg acebutolol resulted in a plasma acebutolol concentration of 15 mg/1 one hour after ingestion. The patient remained conscious, had a severe hypotension and the electrocardiogram showed a 1st degree AV-block and severe intraventricular conduction disturbances at a rate of 70 bpm. After the administration of calcium gluconate and plasma the blood pressure gradually increased to normal values in 2 hours time. Plasma halflife of acebutolol was 8 hours. Pathophysiology of acebutolol intoxication is discussed.