What is the overdose treatment for beta blockers?

The treatment for overdose from beta blockers is glucagon. In cases of severe beta-blocker toxicity, patients may experience bradycardia, hypotension, and other cardiovascular issues due to the blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors. Glucagon acts by increasing intracellular cAMP levels, which can help to counteract the effects of the beta-blockade. This allows for increased heart rate and improved contractility, making it effective in reversing some of the cardiovascular symptoms associated with beta-blocker overdoses.

Glucagon is particularly useful because it bypasses the blocked beta receptors and stimulates cardiac function directly through its specific receptor. In addition to glucagon, supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and the use of other agents may also be necessary, but glucagon is often considered the primary treatment in the acute setting.

Other treatments mentioned, such as sodium bicarbonate, N-acetylcysteine, and flumazenil, are not indicated for beta-blocker overdose. Sodium bicarbonate is used primarily in cases of cardiovascular toxicity related to tricyclic antidepressant overdose, N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdoses, and flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist, which would not