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Beta-blocker toxicity
Background
Overview
Definition
Beta-blocker toxicity refers to an overdose or excessive exposure to β-blocker medications.
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Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of β-blocker toxicity involves the excessive blockade of β-adrenergic receptors. This blockade leads to a decrease in HR and myocardial workload.
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Epidemiology
The incidence of β-blocker toxicity is estimated at 5.1% among hospitalized patients with acute poisoning.
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Disease course
Clinically, patients with β-blocker toxicity often present with bradycardia, hypotension, and varying degrees of AV block. In severe cases, patients may experience life-threatening cardiogenic shock refractory to pharmacological interventions.
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Prognosis and risk of recurrence
The prognosis of β-blocker toxicity can range from mild to severe toxicity, depending on the amount of β-blocker ingested and the time elapsed before treatment.
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Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of beta-blocker toxicity are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA 2023), the American Heart Association (AHA/HRS/ACC 2019), and the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC/AACT/ACMT 2005).
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