Beta blockers overdose
Home Treatment
Do NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a doctor.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information: - Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
- If the medication was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control, or a Local Emergency Number
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive: - Activated charcoal
- Breathing support
- EKG test
- Medications to keep blood pressure within normal limits
- Medications to treat seizures
- Methods to correct abnormal heartbeats
- Tube through the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Prognosis (Expectations)
Most patients are admitted to the hospital. Death may follow low blood pressure or heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
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