Serie de Casos: Intoxicación por Amlodipino

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Drug poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. However, amlodipine poisoning, a widely used dihydropyridine calcium chanel blocker, is not fully documented in Ecuador. Treatment consists of classic measures for shock management and specific measures for this type of intoxication. CASE REPORTS: We present two case reports, both of teenage patients admitted into the pediatric intensive care unit for suicide attempt by taking amlodipine and some other drugs. EVOLUTION: During hospital stay, they presented a different evolutionary course. In both cases vasoactive drugs were needed, dosage was modified according to clinical course. Also in both patients, calcium gluconate was administered along with other support measures described in this paper. Finally, both patients presented a good outcome and were discharged after psychological and psychiatric assessment and follow up. CONCLUSION: The low frequency of amlodipine poisoning and the lack of evidence-based knowledge, constitute it as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Based on our experience, we highlight the importance of early suspicion and prioritizing the use of vasopressors over fluid resuscitation. Additionally, we recommend documenting the exact dose of intake and inquiring about consumption of other drugs to properly classify the severity of the poisoning and stablish the treatment plan. Finally, constant clinical monitoring and support of laboratory tests will guide the conduct.