Saving the life of a patient poisoned by antihypertensive drugs

A 70-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital in critical condition after taking 38 felodipine tablets (a calcium channel blocker). With such a large dose, the patient fell into a state of profound hypotension, rapid circulatory failure, life-threatening, requiring the use of a combination of very high doses of vasopressors.

Upon admission, the doctors of the Intensive Care and Anti-Poison Department immediately held a consultation and determined that this was a “life-or-death battle”. The patient was quickly supported by the VA ECMO artificial heart-lung system (venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).

At the same time, the patient was immediately prescribed plasma exchange (TPE) and hemofiltration (HP). These methods help to quickly remove toxins, support the liver and kidneys, and combine internal medicine treatment with many groups of drugs to stabilize hemodynamics and vital functions.

After more than 5 days of ECMO support, the patient's circulatory condition gradually stabilized: blood pressure improved, heart rate returned to normal, vasopressors were stopped, and test results recovered well. The patient was successfully terminated from ECMO, and continued to be on a ventilator for 2 more days before being able to breathe completely on his own.

The patient recovered without any neurological sequelae or organ damage. This is an excellent result and a testament to the effectiveness of modern treatment combined with the dedication and coordination of the medical staff.

Experts warn that telodipine is a safe drug for treating high blood pressure when used as directed. However, in case of overdose or suicide by taking the drug, the consequences can be very serious, even leading to death.

People should absolutely not take medication without medical prescription. In cases of depression or psychological crisis, early detection, timely consultation and full mental support are needed.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cuu-song-benh-nhan-ngo-doc-thuoc-dieu-tri-tang-huet-ap-post875272.html