Cardiovascular collapse and propranolol overdose.
We report three cases of propranolol overdose in two patients, both of whom suffered cardiovascular collapse after receiving an emetic compound in a hospital's casualty department. Such a collapse may be caused by vagal activity in the presence of sympathetic beta-blockade. We recommend the administration of atropine, which may increase vagal tone, before a patient receives an emetic compound, or undergoes gastric lavage or endotracheal intubation.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004639:Emetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011433:Propranolol / Q000506:poisoning*; D011674:Pulse / Q000187:drug effects; D012769:Shock / Q000139:chemically induced*
D004639:Emetics; D001285:Atropine; D011433:Propranolol