Asystole complicating physostigmine treatment of tricyclic antidepressant overdose

Ann Emerg Med. 1980 Nov;9(11):588-90. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(80)80232-0.

Abstract

Physostigmine is a commonly used therapy for the anticholinergic manifestations of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose. We describe two patients with TCA toxicity who developed asystole following the administration of physostigmine to treat seizures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amitriptyline / poisoning
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / poisoning*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced*
  • Bradycardia / chemically induced
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / poisoning
  • Male
  • Parasympatholytics / adverse effects
  • Physostigmine / adverse effects*
  • Propranolol / poisoning

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Parasympatholytics
  • Amitriptyline
  • Physostigmine
  • Propranolol
  • Imipramine