Case of the Month #54: A case of inpatient overdose and cardiac arrest

Published 18/12/2024

What are the signs and symptoms of a Beta Blocker overdose? And what makes propranolol different?

  • Hypotension, Bradycardia progressing to haemodynamic instability
  • Bronchospasm
  • Hyperkalaemic
  • Glucose disturbances; commonly due to inhibition of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Propranolol is a non-cardioselective beta blocker with sodium-channel blocking effects, which can additionally lead to widening of the QRS, dysrhythmias and seizures.