Hemodynamic effects of calcium chloride in a canine model of acute propranolol intoxication.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of calcium chloride in a canine model of acute propranolol toxicity.


METHODS
Two minutes after the completion of a propranolol infusion (10 mg/kg), a bolus of .125 mL/kg 10% CaCl solution followed by an infusion of .375 mL/kg over the next 30 minutes or a bolus and subsequent infusion of an equivalent volume of normal saline solution was administered to each dog.


RESULTS
CaCl yielded significant improvements in propranolol-induced decreases in cardiac index and stroke volume compared with saline solution-treated control animals (overall alpha = .05). Furthermore, CaCl administration resulted in earlier improvement in propranolol-induced alterations in mean arterial pressure, maximal left ventricular pressure change over time, and peripheral vascular resistance compared with saline solution (overall alpha = .05). We observed no difference between treatment groups in response to propranolol-induced bradycardia or QRS-interval prolongation.


CONCLUSIONS
In this model of acute propranolol toxicity, CaCl therapy improved depressed hemodynamic status, mainly by a positive inotropic action.
Love
J N
JN
Georgetown-George Washington Emergency Medicine Residency, Washington, DC, USA.
Hanfling
D
D
Howell
J M
JM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000506:poisoning*; D000818:Animals; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D011041:Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy; D011433:Propranolol / Q000506:poisoning*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol; D002122:Calcium Chloride