In the United States, the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 is available 24 hours a day to connect callers directly to their region's poison center. They are also available online.
The sympatholytic toxidrome is a combination of physical findings that are characteristic of overdose of certain classes of drugs. Beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and alpha-2 agonists are associated with this toxidrome.
The primary symptoms of the sympatholytic toxidrome are bradycardia, hypotension, and decreased respiratory rate. Patients may sometimes also present with altered mental status, dry skin, and miosis.
Treatment depends on the particular drug causing the overdose. For example, glucagon and calcium can be given for beta-blocker and calcium-channel blocker overdoses, respectively. IV fluids and vasopressors are frequently used to maintain adequate blood pressure.
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Sympatholytic syndrome
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
T44.8X1A – Poisoning by centrally-acting and adrenergic-neuron-blocking agents, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
871566007 – Adverse reaction to adrenergic receptor antagonist
T44.8X1A – Poisoning by centrally-acting and adrenergic-neuron-blocking agents, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
871566007 – Adverse reaction to adrenergic receptor antagonist
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Last Updated:07/29/2024
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Sympatholytic syndrome