In managing overdose of calcium channel blockers, which is NOT used?

• A. Calcium
• B. Glucagon
• C. Insulin
• D. Dopamine

Answer: (D)

When managing an overdose of calcium channel blockers, the administration of calcium is generally used to counteract the effects of the overdose, as it can help restore cardiac contractility and improve ion balance. Glucagon is also employed in this scenario because it can increase heart rate and myocardial contractility independently of the beta-adrenergic receptors, which may be suppressed due to the overdose. Insulin is used in overdose situations as it can facilitate glucose uptake and increase myocardial metabolism, providing an energy substrate to the heart.

On the other hand, dopamine, while it may have positive inotropic effects at certain doses, is not a standard treatment for calcium channel blocker overdose. In this context, its use does not address the underlying issues caused by the overdose and may not provide the same level of therapeutic benefit as the other agents mentioned. Thus, dopamine is not considered a key component in the management of calcium channel blocker overdose.