A retrospective review of calcium channel blocker poisonings for the calendar year 1984

Verapamil was first introduced in the early 1960's as a smooth muscle relaxant with potent vasodilator properties. Antiarrhythmic effects were demonstrated in the mid-1960's, but it V83 not until August, 1981 that the Food awl Drug Administration (FDA) approved the intravenous form of the drug for clinical use. This action was followed by marketing of the oral form as an antianginal medication in March, 1982. Therapeutic benefits of verapamil have been attributed to its ability to block slov calcium channels, and m the years following Its release, nifedi pine and diltiazem, two agents with similar action, were given FDA approval. The purpose of this research project was to retrospectively review the symptomatic CCB exposures reported to the AAPCC during the calendar year 1984 and to describe the demographic characteristics, symptoms, treatment and outcome of acute overdoses with verapamil, nifedipine and diitiazem. This description should provide useful information for the health care provider about the management of patients with a CCB overdose.