Metaraminol (Aramine) in the management of a significant amlodipine overdose.

OBJECTIVE: To report a patient with a significant amlodipine self-poisoning who failed to clinically respond to conventional treatment and was managed with metaraminol (Aramine).

PATIENT: A 43-year old male presenting after ingestion of 560 mg amlodipine, who failed to respond clinically to treatment with fluid resuscitation, calcium salts, glucagon and norepinephrine/epinephrine inotropic support.

MAIN RESULTS: Following a loading bolus of 2 mg and intravenous infusion (83 microg/min) of metaraminol (Aramine) there was improvement in his blood pressure, cardiac output and urine output.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of the beneficial use of metaraminol (aramine) in the management of significant amlodipine poisoning unresponsive to conventional therapy.