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. 2005 Dec;1(1):3–10. doi: 10.1007/BF03160898

Vasopressin treatment of verapamil toxicity in the porcine model

J Dave Barry 1,✉, Dave Durkovich 2, Lee Cantrell 3, William Richardson 4, Tri Tong 5, Steve Offerman 6, Richard E Clark 7, David A Tanen 8, Saralyn Williams 7
PMCID: PMC3550012  PMID: 18072096

Abstract

Introduction

Vasopressin is a novel vasopressor agent used for intractable hypotension. There is little published data available on its use in the poisoned patient. We performed a randomized, controlled, blinded trial in a porcine model to study the effects of vasopressin infusion on mean arterial pressure after verapamil poisoning.

Methods

Eighteen anesthetized monitored swine received a verapamil infusion of 1 mg/kg/hr until the mean arterial pressure (MAP) had decreased to 70% of baseline. At this time, a continuous infusion of either vasopressin (0.01 U/kg/min) or an equal volume of normal saline was initiated. The swine were monitored for 60 minutes after initiation of the study infusion. The primary outcome was MAP.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in MAP, cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance. One half (four of eight) of the animals in the vasopressin group died, compared with 20% (two of ten) of those in the saline group.

Conclusions

Vasopressin infusion decreased the survival of verapamil-poisoned swine when compared to those treated with saline alone in this experimental model.

Keywords: vasopressins, verapamil, drug toxicity

Full Text

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