A dangerous drug combination for emergency service: Tarka®

Abstract

Calcium channel blocker poisoning is a common and sometimes life-threatening toxicity. Tarka is a combination antihypertensive medication composed of verapamil hydrochloride and trandolapril. Sinus bradycardia, severe hypotension, 2nd and 3rd degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest can be seen due to excessive use of these drugs. In this study, we aim at discussing the case of a13-year-old female patient in the light literature, who took 4 tablets of Tarka ® forte tablets in order to commit suicide and reached our emergency department with sudden cardiac arrest and development of syncope. She was successfully resuscitated and given intravenous fluid and hyperinsulinemic/euglycemia therapy, epinephrine, vasopressor support, glucagon infusion and 6% hydroxyethyl starch support. © 2017, Kuwait Medical Association. All rights reserved.