Substance
Calcium channel blockers

[Other Names]
Myocardial and vascular effects

Pathology
Prevention of calcium entry into cells, resulting in decreased myocardium contractility, blockade of AV and SA nodes, and peripheral vasodilation.

Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, confusion, stupor, hyperglycemia, hypotension, bradycardia, metabolic acidosis, cardiac conduction disturbances, seizures, coma, death.

Emergency Measures
Maintenance of airway, breathing, and circulation; fluids and vasopressors for hypotension; multiple-dose activated charcoal; calcium chloride or calcium gluconate for hypotension and bradydysrhythmias, atropine or isoproterenol for bradycardia.

Comments
Intentional overdoses of calcium channel blockers are life threatening and often fatal despite aggressive management.