Related Experiment Videos
[Verapamil poisoning for suicidal purposes. A case report]
F Bonechi1, A Brandinelli Geri, M Maioli
1U.O. di Cardiologia, Ospedale S. Pietro Igneo, Fucecchio.
Giornale Italiano Di Cardiologia
|January 1, 1993
Summary
An 82-year-old woman survived a verapamil overdose that caused severe cardiac issues and acute pancreatitis. Prompt conventional therapy led to her recovery despite the large drug dose.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and arrhythmias.
- Suicidal ingestion of calcium channel blockers can lead to severe toxicity.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old female ingested 2400 mg of verapamil with suicidal intent.
- The patient presented with bradyarrhythmia, atrioventricular (A-V) dissociation, and shock.
- She subsequently developed acute pancreatitis.
Findings:
- Despite the massive verapamil dose and advanced age, the patient responded well to conventional medical therapy.
- Treatment was initiated several hours after drug ingestion, indicating a potential window for intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for recovery even with severe verapamil toxicity in elderly patients.
- Early and appropriate medical management is crucial for improving outcomes in calcium channel blocker overdose.
- The development of acute pancreatitis as a complication of verapamil overdose is noted.