What medication should be avoided in a patient with hydrocarbon poisoning due to the potential for contributing to the development of cardiac dysrhythmias?
According to the cited reference, epinephrine should be avoided in a patient with hydrocarbon poisoning as it may contribute to development of ventricular dysrhythmias due to the increased sensitivity of the myocardium’s conducting system. Ventricular dysrhythmias should be treated with beta-blockers to prevent excess catecholamine levels.
Tormoehlen LM, Tekulve KJ, Nañagas KA. Hydrocarbon toxicity: A review. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2014;52(5):479-489. doi:10.3109/15563650.2014.923904
Contributed by Austin Miller, MD Candidate
Posted in Question Of The Day