Case report: fatal overdose with sustained-release verapamil.
Verapamil is generally a safe and effective drug in the treatment of many vascular disorders. During the past 10 years, a number of serious poisonings have been attributed to verapamil overdose. A relatively new problem is toxicity with the sustained-release form of verapamil. Complications of verapamil overdose can be understood as simply an extension of its pharmacologic activity. Consistently effective therapy remains elusive. Specific calcium channel blocker antidotes are under investigation, but supportive therapy remains the mainstay for serious verapamil overdose.
MacDonald
D
D
Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48864.
Alguire
P C
PC
D015761:4-Aminopyridine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014700:Verapamil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015761:4-Aminopyridine; D014700:Verapamil