A Survival Case of High-Dose Amlodipine Intoxication With Unusual Manifestation of Type 2 Respiratory Failure.

Amlodipine is a commonly used medication to treat high blood pressure, belonging to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. Although overdoses of this medication are rare, they can have severe consequences, including significant cardiovascular issues and, in some cases, respiratory failure. The reported case involves a 17-year-old male patient who intentionally overdosed on amlodipine, resulting in a complicated clinical course. The patient experienced type 2, or hypercapnic, respiratory failure, which requires immediate medical attention and intensive care management. This condition is characterized by elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can lead to severe respiratory distress and potentially life-threatening complications. The patient's treatment involved a multi-faceted approach, including mechanical ventilation to support his respiratory system, as well as various pharmacological interventions. These included fluid resuscitation to manage fluid overload, calcium supplementation to counteract the effects of the calcium channel blocker, and high-dose insulin euglycemic therapy to stabilize his blood sugar levels. Additionally, the patient received vasopressor support to manage cardiovascular instability and lung-protective ventilation to minimize further lung damage. With timely and aggressive management, the patient was able to achieve full recovery from the overdose. This case report emphasizes the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of amlodipine toxicity, as delayed or inadequate management can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, including cardiovascular instability, fluid overload, and respiratory distress with type 2 respiratory failure. The successful treatment of this patient highlights the need for a comprehensive and supportive approach to managing amlodipine overdoses, and the potential for full recovery with appropriate medical intervention. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40248564/