Final answer:
The preferred treatment for a ß-blocker overdose includes the use of activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, glucagon, and may involve advanced therapies like high-dose insulin, inotropes, or even ECMO in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of ß-blocker overdose is complex and requires immediate medical attention. The primary goal is to stabilize the patient's cardiovascular system. Activated charcoal may be administered if the patient presents shortly after the overdose. However, the cornerstone treatment involves intravenous fluids and the administration of glucagon. Glucagon is administered due to its ability to increase heart rate and blood pressure, counteracting the effects of ß-blockers. In cases of severe overdose, additional treatments such as the use of high-dose insulin euglycemic therapy, inotropes like epinephrine or dopamine, and even lipid emulsion therapy may be required. Other supportive measures include monitoring for arrhythmias and managing symptoms of bronchospasm in asthmatic patients.
If the standard interventions are ineffective, hemodialysis or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be considered in life-threatening cases, although these procedures are not universally available or applicable in all cases of ß-blocker overdose. As treatment may vary based on specific circumstances and the individual patient's response, it should be guided by a medical professional skilled in toxicology or a poison control center.
The preferred treatment for a ß-blocker overdose typically includes activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and glucagon, along with monitoring and additional supportive measures for severe cases. In extreme situations, hemodialysis or ECMO may be considered.