Fatal nifedipine ingestions in children

Nifedipine is a prototypical dihydropyridine calcium channel "blocker" that can cause hypotension and cardiac conduction abnormalities. When compared to other calcium channel antagonists, overdoses have been reported to be re latively benign with treatment consisting mainly of supportive care. We rep ort two pediatric cases of death secondary to accidental ingestion of long acting nifedipine (Adalat), Both cases did not respond to aggressive suppor tive care that included calcium, atropine, epinephrine, glucagon, sodium bi carbonate, and transthoracic pacing. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.