General Cardiology Part 1
Question 29/36
What is the treatment or “antidote” for a beta-blocker overdose?
Question 29/36
What is the treatment or “antidote” for a beta-blocker overdose?
Beta blocker overdose can be life threatening. The three main features include bradycardia, hypotension and hypoglycemia. Hypothermia can occur as well.
Treatment includes intravenous fluids to correct hypotension, glucagon to correct hypoglycemia and inotropes such as dobutamine or milrinone to correct bradyarrhythmia.
Charcoal can be used to bind the beta-blocker. Ipecac is contraindicated.