Salbutamol Abuse is Associated with Ventricular Fibrillation

Emin Uysal; Suleyman Solak; Murat Carus; Nedim Uzun; Erdem Cevik2

doi:10.5505/1304.7361.2015.33230

Emin Uysal¹, Suleyman Solak¹, Murat Carus¹, Nedim Uzun¹, Erdem Cevik2

¹Department of Emergency Medicine, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
²Department of Emergency Medicine, Van Military Hospital, Van, Turkey

Keywords: Salbutamol; suicide; ventricular fibrillation

Abstract

Salbutamol-induced cardiac complications are well-established. Herein, we describe a case of a 24-year female who was admitted to the emergency department because of a suicide attempt with salbutamol (76 mg). Salbutamol abuse induced the development of supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Regular sinus rhythm was restored with defibrillation. The hypokalemic patient who stayed in the intensive care unit was discharged after 48 hours of hospitalization.