skip to Main Content

Beta Blocker Overdose

Although they end in “lol,” beta blocker overdoses are no laughing matter. They require careful management since they can cause life-threatening effects. Recently, the Missouri Poison Center updated and clarified its guidelines to ensure the best evidence-based treatment of beta blocker overdoses. Rest assured, when you call the poison center, you are receiving the most up-to-date treatment advice for every complex overdose that you encounter.

WHAT ARE THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF BETA BLOCKERS?

Beta receptor antagonists, usually called beta blockers, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for a range of indications, including hypertension, angina, CHF, migraine prevention, and glaucoma (topically).  Depending on their receptor selectivity, they competitively inhibit sympathetic stimulation of beta 1 (β1) and beta 2 (β2) receptors.

  • β 1 receptors are found in cardiac, renal, and adipose tissue.
    • Normal Activity: Receptor stimulation results in increased rate and strength of myocardial contraction, renin release, and lipolysis.
    • Drug effect:  Inhibition by beta blockers results in delayed conduction, slower heart rate, decreased strength of contraction, and decreased ejection fraction.
  • β 2 receptors are found in smooth muscle of blood vessels, GI tract, trachea, bronchi, and in liver.
    • Normal Activity:  Receptor stimulation results in vasodilation, tracheal and bronchial relaxation, decreased GI tone/motility, and increased glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
    • Drug effect:  Inhibition of beta activity by beta blockers may prevent the full measure of beta effects, but does not necessarily produce the opposite effects; for example, it does not actively constrict blood vessels and bronchi.

WHAT IS THE MECHANISM OF TOXICITY?

Blockade of β1-receptors in the heart reduces the rate and strength of contraction.  Poor myocardial contraction is the most significant cause of hypotension, with no impairment in peripheral vasomotor tone.  Blockade of β2-receptors in the vasculature and bronchi can impair their ability to dilate when needed.  It may also impair ability to maintain blood glucose while fasting and blunt adrenergic warning symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Toxicity is influenced by:
Beta Receptor Selectivity Selectivity diminishes in overdose.
High Lipid Solubility Enter brain more readily to product CNS toxicity.
Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity Partial agonist effects at beta receptor sites.
Less severe in overdose.
Membrane stabilizing effect Inhibits depolarizing Na current in excitable cells.
Serious cardiac and CNS symptoms: Wide QRS, seizures, coma.

While all beta blockers share similarities in their mechanism of action, there are over 15 different beta blockers available, and some have additional specific characteristics that stand out:

  • Sotalol blocks potassium channels which delays repolarization (prolongs QT interval).
  • Propranolol and carteolol slow conduction by blocking sodium channels (widens QRS complex).
  • Propranolol and carvedilol have high lipid solubility which increases CNS toxicity (CNS depression, seizures).
  • Carvedilol and labetalol have significant alpha 1 receptor blocking effects which enhance hypotension.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD BE EXPECTED IN AN OVERDOSE?

The primary toxicity in a beta blocker overdose is cardiac.  Patients will present with bradycardia, hypotension, and decreased cardiac output – ultimately leading to poor organ perfusion.  Overdose can also cause conduction disturbances such as first degree heart block and delayed intraventricular conduction/widened QRS.  Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is possible.  When a lipid-soluble agents such as propranolol is involved, the patient usually has prominent CNS symptoms, including drowsiness, confusion, dizziness.  Large overdoses can cause hallucinations, seizures, and coma.  Metabolic disturbances include hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BETA BLOCKER OVERDOSE?

The goal of therapy is to restore cardiac output.  Good supportive care is important, in addition to the first line treatment for beta blocker overdose: high dose glucagon (see below).  Give normal saline at 1 to 1½ times maintenance rate while avoiding fluid overload.  Atropine is not expected to reverse bradycardia, but it will prevent vagal action from making it worse.  Patients usually require high doses of multiple vasopressors; no agent is superior.  IV calcium has an inotropic effect; repeat boluses or an infusion may be needed.

As stated, high dose glucagon is the FIRST LINE therapy in addition to catecholamines.  It increases the rate and strength of cardiac contraction and also bypasses the blocked β receptor while activating its own G-Protein Coupled Receptor to boost cyclic AMP levels (see Figure 1).  Maximal clinical effect occurs in 5 to 7 minutes, but duration is only 10 to 15 minutes after bolus.  Vomiting is a common side effect of high dose glucagon.

Glucagon

50 to 150 mcg/kg bolus slow IV push (3 to 5 mg minimum initial dose), repeat at 5 to 10 minutes; total dose of up to 10 mg in adults.

Bolus Dose

After bolus dosing, immediately start a continuous glucagon infusion at an hourly rate equal to the effective total bolus dose.  Titrate to patient response. Re-bolus as needed.

Figure 1: Effects of Beta Blockers and Glucagon on Cardiac Myocyte

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF HIGH-DOSE INSULIN IN BETA BLOCKER OVERDOSE?

If the patient has not responded to the above therapies, High-dose Insulin Euglycemic Therapy (HIET) may be considered.  HIET is the go-to for calcium channel blocker overdose, however, if the overdose ONLY involves a beta blocker, HIET may be considered with caution.

IMPORTANT: There is a high rate of significant HYPOglycemia when HIET is used for beta blocker overdose (without concomitant calcium channel blocker overdose).  Because of this, bedside glucose must be closely monitored: check every 30-60 minutes!  If the patient is hypoglycemic, treat right away with D50.   Dextrose infusion and frequent blood glucose monitoring should continue even after the insulin infusion has stopped, for at least 6-12 hours so the patient can achieve normal insulin and glucose homeostasis.

ADDITIONAL MONITORING: Monitor electrolytes, especially potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus because they are shifted inside cells by insulin. Monitor sodium because dilutional hyponatremia is caused by large-volume dextrose infusions, especially if vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) is being administered as a pressor agent.

WHAT ELSE DOES THE MISSOURI POISON CENTER RECOMMEND FOR THESE PATIENTS?

Treat a wide QRS (propranolol effect) with sodium bicarbonate and manage a prolonged QT interval (sotalol effect) by keeping potassium and magnesium in the high-normal range.  A β2 agonist should be administered for bronchospasm and seizures are treated with benzodiazepines.

If you have any questions about the management of beta blocker overdose please feel free to call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.  Our specially trained nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologist can provide the most up-to-date information regarding exposures and treatment.

Cart
Call Now