Prolonged half-life of verapamil in a case of overdose: implications for therapy.

Journal article

After an overdose of verapamil (2.4 g) in a 59-year-old man the apparent half-life of verapamil was prolonged (15 h). The most likely mechanism is rate-limiting absorption, although changes in clearance and volume of distribution may contribute. As the elimination half-life of verapamil is increased in overdose, therapy may have to be continued for longer than expected. Moreover since the half-life of absorption of verapamil in overdose may be prolonged, activated charcoal should be given in repeated doses, even if an ordinary-release formulation has been taken.

Authors: Buckley, C; Aronson, J

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of clinical pharmacology
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 680-683
• Publication date: 1995-06-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1995.tb05729.x
• EISSN: 1365-2125
• ISSN: 0306-5251
• Language: English
• Keywords: Overdose; Verapamil; Humans; Middle Aged; Male; Half-Life