Toxicity to pets

Calcium channel blockers are a common type of heart medication used in both human and veterinary medicine for heart disease and for blood pressure regulation. While calcium channel blockers are commonly used in cats and dogs, accidental overdose can result in severe, life-threatening poisoning due to the drug’s narrow margin of safety. This means that only a small amount of the drug can result in severe poisoning. Overdose can result in heart failure, a very slowed heart rate, severe hypo-tension (low blood pressure), and secondary acute kidney failure. Aggressive and immediate treatment must be initiated, and includes decontamination, heart and blood pressure monitoring, aggressive IV fluids, blood work monitoring, and symptomatic supportive care. With severe toxicosis, the use of calcium, glucagon, high-dose insulin therapy or intravenous lipid emulsion can be used.

If you think your dog or cat were poisoned by a calcium channel blocker heart medication, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® immediately for life-saving treatment advice.

Common signs to watch for:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Slowed heart rate
• Lethargy