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Intestinal infarction due to nifedipine overdose
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, NY 14642, USA.
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Nifedipine overdose can cause intestinal infarction, especially with extended-release formulations. A large gastric concretion of nifedipine tablets may have led to mesenteric hypoperfusion and tissue death.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used for hypertension.
- Overdoses typically present with cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal complications are rare but possible.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms consistent with intestinal infarction.
- The patient had a history of nifedipine overdose, specifically with an extended-release formulation.
- A large gastric concretion of nifedipine tablets was identified.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of intestinal infarction linked to nifedipine overdose.
- The gastric concretion may have prolonged local drug exposure.
- This prolonged exposure potentially caused mesenteric hypoperfusion, leading to ischemia and infarction.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider intestinal infarction in patients with nifedipine overdose and abdominal symptoms.
- Extended-release formulations may pose unique risks in overdose scenarios.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of nifedipine-induced gastrointestinal injury.