Antidote to beta blockers
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Antidote to Beta Blockers: Effective Treatments for Overdose
Introduction to Beta Blocker Overdose
Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for various cardiovascular conditions, but overdose can lead to severe toxicity. The primary symptoms of beta blocker overdose include bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure), which can be life-threatening and often resistant to standard resuscitation measures1 2.
High-Dose Glucagon: The First-Line Antidote
Mechanism of Action
In cases of beta blocker poisoning, high-dose glucagon is considered the first-line antidote. Glucagon works by bypassing the beta-adrenergic receptor to increase intracellular cyclic AMP, which helps to improve heart rate and blood pressure1 2.
Clinical Efficacy
Studies have consistently shown that high-dose glucagon is effective in treating symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension caused by beta blocker overdose. This makes it the preferred initial treatment in such cases1 2.
Alternative Therapies for Beta Blocker Overdose
Beta-Agonists and Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Other therapies that have been explored include beta-agonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These treatments aim to counteract the excessive blockade of beta-receptors, although they are generally considered secondary options compared to glucagon1 2.
Combination Therapies
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to manage severe symptoms. For instance, beta-agonists can be used alongside glucagon to enhance therapeutic effects1 2.
Conclusion
High-dose glucagon is the most effective and recommended first-line antidote for beta blocker overdose, particularly in cases presenting with symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension. While alternative therapies like beta-agonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors can be used, they are generally considered secondary options. Understanding these treatment protocols is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively manage beta blocker toxicity and improve patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Treatment of poisoning caused by beta-adrenergic and calcium-channel blockers.
High-dose glucagon is the first-line antidote for beta-blocker poisoning, while a combination of calcium and epinephrine is recommended for calcium-channel blocker poisoning.
Treatment of poisoning caused by β-adrenergic and calcium-channel blockers
High-dose glucagon is the first-line antidote for -blocker poisoning, while a combination of calcium and epinephrine is recommended for CCB poisoning, with HDIDK reserved for refractory cases.
Highly CitedShould β blockers remain first choice in the treatment of primary hypertension? A meta-analysis
Beta blockers should not remain first choice in primary hypertension treatment due to their less than optimal effect and increased risk of stroke compared to other antihypertensive drugs.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedBeta-blockers in hypertension: overview and meta-analysis of randomized outcome trials.
Beta-blockers can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and all-cause death when prescribed to lower blood pressure in patients with modest or clear BP elevations, but are less protective against stroke and overall mortality compared to other antihypertensive agents.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalA meta-analysis of 94,492 patients with hypertension treated with beta blockers to determine the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus.
Beta blockers are associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus and a 15% increased risk of stroke compared to other antihypertensive agents.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedBeta-blockers in hypertension.
Beta blockers, particularly those with vasodilatory actions, are an appropriate treatment option for hypertension in certain patients, despite recent concerns about their effectiveness and co-morbidity effects.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedTreatment for beta-blocker poisoning: a systematic review
Catecholamines, inotropes, and vasopressors may provide a survival benefit and improve haemodynamics in beta-blocker poisoning, but their effectiveness is uncertain.
Systematic ReviewBeta-blockers and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Guideline.
Beta-blockers show a significant mortality advantage in adults with acute traumatic brain injury, but more high-quality trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness and functional outcomes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedBeta‐blockers for hypertension
Beta-blockers show no significant difference in all-cause mortality between them and other first-line therapies for hypertension in adults.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCardioselective beta-blockers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cardioselective beta-blockers do not significantly reduce short-term airway function or COPD exacerbations in patients with COPD, but may be considered for those with heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension.
Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited