In adult calcium channel blocker overdose, which medication is given as a slow push over 2 minutes?

In adult calcium channel blocker overdose, which medication is given as a slow push over 2 minutes?

• A. Transcutaneous Pacing
• B. Etomidate
• C. Normal Saline
• D. Calcium Chloride

Answer: (D)

Calcium channel blocker overdose is treated by reversing the blockade at the calcium channels with calcium itself. Giving calcium raises the amount of extracellular calcium, helping calcium enter cells and restore heart muscle contraction and electrical activity that the overdose has dampened. Calcium chloride is used because it delivers calcium quickly, producing a rapid rise in ionized calcium. Administering it as a slow IV push over about two minutes helps achieve the needed effect promptly while reducing the risk of sudden strong cardiovascular responses or vein irritation. Other options don’t address the underlying issue. Transcutaneous pacing can support heart rate temporarily but won’t reverse the calcium channel blockade. Etomidate is an induction agent and not a treatment for overdose. Normal saline provides volume support but does not counteract the blockade at the calcium channels.

Calcium channel blocker overdose is treated by reversing the blockade at the calcium channels with calcium itself. Giving calcium raises the amount of extracellular calcium, helping calcium enter cells and restore heart muscle contraction and electrical activity that the overdose has dampened. Calcium chloride is used because it delivers calcium quickly, producing a rapid rise in ionized calcium. Administering it as a slow IV push over about two minutes helps achieve the needed effect promptly while reducing the risk of sudden strong cardiovascular responses or vein irritation.

Other options don’t address the underlying issue. Transcutaneous pacing can support heart rate temporarily but won’t reverse the calcium channel blockade. Etomidate is an induction agent and not a treatment for overdose. Normal saline provides volume support but does not counteract the blockade at the calcium channels.