A fatal case of intoxication after an unsuspected combined intake of verapamil and atenolol.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and s-blockers are used, combined or individually, in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and other disorders. However, cardiogenic shock has been reported as a rare complication associated with the combination of verapamil and s-blockers that can be resolved by medical intervention. We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed a fatal cardiogenic shock after an unintentional overdose of verapamil (calcium channel blocker) and atenolol (s-blocker) that was discovered only after autopsy and toxicological analyses.