title: Acebutolol overdose resulting in fatalities.
abstract: Two fatal cases of Acebutolol intoxication are presented that demonstrate its clinical characteristics and potential lethality. A review of the literature suggests that acebutolol is one of the most toxic beta blockers when taken as an overdose. In addition to demonstrating characteristics of membrane-stabilizing activity, both fatal cases demonstrate significant QTc prolongation and ventricular tachycardia. The latter findings suggest an impact on ventricular repolarization not seen with Propranolol intoxication. Clarification of these findings has important implications regarding identification and treatment of this potentially fatal intoxication.
authors.affiliation: Consultant to the National Capital (Washington, DC) and Maryland (Baltimore) Poison Centers, Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Love
mesh_terms: D000070:Acebutolol / Q000506:poisoning*; D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000506:poisoning*; D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000070:Acebutolol