Cardioactive Steroids The cardioactive steroid (CAS) that is most likely to be encountered is digoxin, which is still used clinically, but CAS are also present in animals such as the Bufo toad and in many plants, including foxglove, oleander, lily of the valley, and red squill. The effects of acute Read more…
Calcium Channel Antagonists In contrast to β-adrenergic antagonists (BB), most patients with significant calcium channel antagonist (CCB) ingestions exhibit toxicity. Initially asymptomatic patients should be expected to develop rapid deterioration and must be monitored closely. Patients commonly present in cardiogenic shock and their ECG can show sinus bradycardia, AV conduction Read more…
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists Although beta blocker (BB) overdoses are often asymptomatic in healthy patients, severe toxicity can occur. The beta blocker poisoned patient will be hypotensive and bradycardic, and the ECG may show sinus bradycardia, an AV node block, sinus pauses, or, in severe cases, asystole. Acute congestive heart failure may Read more…
Welcome to the Kings County/SUNY Downstate toxicology blog series. In our first case, we will discuss the differential diagnosis and management of the poisoned patient who presents with hypotension and bradycardia. Case A 23 year old female is brought in by EMS after an intentional overdose. She reports taking a Read more…