A case of acute nimodipine poisoning. Cardiac and vascular effects

The authors report a clinical case of acute poisoning after ingestion of nimodipine. The patient, pulseless with a reduced level of consciousness and a third degree AV block, was treated with calcium salts, high doses of dopamine and temporary cardiac pacing. Nimodipine, a nifedipine-like calcium channel blocker, is widely used in cerebrovascular diseases with a low incidence of side effect. No cases of acute poisoning are reported in the literature. The possibility of loss of selectivity at higher doses suggests a cautious use of the drug in patients with alterations of AV conduction.