Calcium channel blocker overdose
Home Treatment
Do NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care provider.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information: - Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
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 your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive: - Activated charcoal
- Breathing tube (artificial respiration)
- EKG
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Laxative
- Medications to increase heart rate and blood pressure, and help reverse poisoning
- Tube through the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Prognosis (Expectations)
Taking too much of this medication can be extremely dangerous. Death can occur, especially with verapamil. If your low heart rate and blood pressure can be corrected survival is likley. Survival depends on how much and what type of this medication you take along with how quickly you seek medical treatment.
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