Blood pressure medication overdose requires immediate medical assistance. Exposure to toxic levels of beta blockers, a widely prescribed form of blood pressure medicine, poses life-threatening complications. Immediate emergency treatment for overdose helps prevent extended injury and death.
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Risk
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The elderly are at high risk of overdose on blood pressure medication. The Hartford County, Maryland Office of Aging reports that impaired vision and the volume of medications prescribed make the elderly more susceptible to overdose.
Symptoms
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The National Institutes of Health warns confusion, vision disturbance and rapid heartbeat are symptoms of overdose from beta blockers.
Response
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Contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers by dialing 1-800-222-1222 if overdose is suspected. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recommends providing the patient's age and weight, symptoms, the name of the blood pressure medication, time and quantity of exposure to medical responders.
Warning
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The National Institutes of Health cautions the public not to induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals.
Treatment
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The University of Maryland Medical Center explains treatment for overdose on blood pressure medicine (beta blockers) may include consumption of activated charcoal, heart stabilization, blood pressure stabilization, and gastric lavage (stomach pump).
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