A 68-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation on atenolol for rate control is brought to the emergency department with severe bradycardia and hypotension after an accidental overdose. Which antidote is most appropriate?
- A Calcium gluconate
- B Glucagon ✓
- C Atropine
- D Naloxone
Correct answer: B. Glucagon
Explanation
Glucagon is the antidote for beta-blocker overdose; it activates adenylyl cyclase independently of beta-receptors, increasing cAMP and reversing bradycardia and hypotension. Calcium gluconate is used for calcium channel blocker toxicity. Atropine may be used for bradycardia but does not reverse beta-blockade. Naloxone is for opioid overdose.
Reference: Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.