DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Overdosage
The most common signs expected with overdosage of a beta-blocker are bradycardia, hypotension, congestive heart failure, bronchospasm, and hypoglycemia. To date, a few cases of overdose (maximum: 2000 mg) with bisoprolol fumarate have been reported. Bradycardia and/or hypotension were noted. Sympathomimetic agents were given in some cases, and all patients recovered.
In general, if overdose occurs, bisoprolol therapy should be stopped and supportive and symptomatic treatment should be provided. Limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialyzable. Based on the expected pharmacologic action and recommendations for other beta-blockers, the following general measures should be considered when clinically warranted:
Bradycardia
Administer IV atropine. If the response is inadequate, isoproterenol or another agent with positive chronotropic properties may be given cautiously. Under some circumstances, transvenous pacemaker insertion may be necessary.
Hypotension
IV fluids and vasopressors should be administered. Intravenous glucagon may be useful.
Heart Block (Second or Third Degree)
Patients should be carefully monitored and treated with isoproterenol infusion or transvenous cardiac pacemaker insertion, as appropriate.
Congestive Heart Failure
Initiate conventional therapy (i.e., digitalis, diuretics, inotropic agents, vasodilating agents).
Bronchospasm
Administer bronchodilator therapy such as isoproterenol and/or aminophylline.
Hypoglycemia
Administer IV glucose.
|
