What initial treatment is recommended for overdose of a Beta Blocker?

The recommended initial treatment for a Beta Blocker overdose is glucagon. This is because glucagon works by increasing heart rate and contractility, counteracting the negative effects of Beta Blockers, which can lead to bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. Glucagon activates adenylate cyclase through a mechanism independent of Beta-adrenergic receptors, thereby increasing cAMP levels, which enhances myocardial contractility and accelerates heart rate.

In cases of Beta Blocker overdose, patients may present with symptoms such as hypotension, bradycardia, and altered mental status due to reduced cardiac output and impaired conduction. Administering glucagon can be particularly effective in these scenarios, especially when standard treatments such as fluid resuscitation and the use of atropine for bradycardia are insufficient.

Other treatments may be considered in conjunction with glucagon, but glucagon is the primary initial therapy because of its specific action on the complications caused by Beta Blocker toxicity.