Skip to main content

TCA Overdose

Call poison control. 

  • Check urine toxicology for co-ingestions esp. salicylates , acetaminophen.
  • Get an EKG. Pay special attention to QRS, QTc, PR Beware QRS on EKG> 0.10 sec; VT, VF, myocardial depression can ensure (Q on T phenomenon)
  • Evaluate if ICU admission is necessary: AMS, Respiratory depression, hypotension
  • Telemetry
  • If asymptomatic, get serial EKGs for 6 hours.
  • NGT, lavage with 2 Liters NS, Ipecac contraindicated
  • Activated charcoal 1g/kg within 2 hours of ingestion
  • Alkalinize urine with 1NS & 2amps NaHCO3/I at 10-15 cc/kg/hr until urine output good, then D5W + 1-4 amps NaHCO3/I + 200 mEq KCl/I at 1-3x maintenance to give serum pH 7.5-7.55
  • Do NOT use quinidine, procainamide if VT occurs. High risk for Torsades.

References:

1. Hospitalist Handbook, iPhone App

2. UpToDate -- TCA