A Case Report of Effective Use of an Intra-aortic Balloon Pump in Calcium Channel Blocker Intoxication

ABSTRACT

When used appropriately, calcium channel blockers are safe and efficacious. When overdose, however, these agents have the potential for serious morbidity which can lead to profound bradycardia and hypotension. The initial management of a calcium channel blocker overdose is supportive care, including stabilization and decontamination, followed by pharmacotherapy, including calcium agents, glucagon, insulin, catecholamines, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors (amrinone and milirone). Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and even cardiopulmonary bypass, followed by conventional therapy have been used for patients with hypotension and bradycardia. We report a case of successful treatment with an IABP followed by pharmacotherapy.