TOXICOLOGY
b-Blockers
Normal function of β-adrenergic receptors:
■ β-1: Heart (increases rate, contractility, conduction), kidney (increased
secretion of renin), eye (increased production of aqueous humor)
■ β-2: Smooth muscle relaxation
■ β-3: Adipose tissue (lipolysis)
MECHANISM/TOXICITY
■ β-Adrenergic receptors blockade
SYMPTOMS/EXAM
■ Varying degrees of hypotension, bradycardia
■ Patient may present in cardiogenic shock.
■ Respiratory depression, apnea
■ QRS and QT prolongation
■ Bronchospasm (β-2) in susceptible patients, respiratory depression, and
apnea
TABLE 6.14. Overview of Antidysrhythmic Agents
VAUGHN-WILLIAMS
CLASSIFICATION MECHANISM OFACTION EXAMPLES SYMPTOMS OFTOXICITY TREATMENT
Class I Fast Na+channel IA: Vary with agent Supportive care
blockers→ stabilization Procainamide Agitation, confusion Activated charcoal (if early)
of membranes. Quinidine Hypotension Sodium bicarbonate
Disorpyramide Ventricular or brady- for QRS widening
IB: dysrhythmias
Lidocaine
Phenytoin
IC:
Flecainide
Propafenone
Class II β-Blockers See text See text See text
Class III K+channel blockers → Amiodarone Vary with agent Supportive care
prolongation of Sotolol Hypotension and Activated charcoal (if early)
repolorization. bradycardia Gastric lavage (if early
Sotalol also has QT prolongation → VT, Vfib, sotalol)
β-blocking activity. torsades. Sodium bicarbonate for
Chronic amiodarone QRS widening
therapy: interstitial
pneumonitis, grey or
bluish skin changes,
corneal microdeposits
Class IV Calcium channel blockers See text See text See text