Lack of toxicity from pediatric beta-blocker exposures

The risk of toxicity in a child who is unintentionally exposed to a beta-blocking drug remains uncertain. The current study further defines this risk, particularly in the common scenario of ingestion of one or two tablets. A prospective cohort of 208 pediatric patients, 6 months to 6 years of age, reported to two regional poison centers serves as the study population. Data were collected with a standardized instrument during the care of each patient and for a minimum of 24 hours after exposure. No instances of serious toxicity typical of beta-blocker intoxication, such as ‘shock-like’ states, arrhythmias or seizures were observed in this series. Furthermore, there were no reported episodes of hypoglycemia, symptomatic bradycardia or bronchospasm. Nine instances of altered mental status or behavioral changes were reported. All appeared to be minor in nature. The most serious outcome was charcoal aspiration during gastrointestinal decontamination. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that exposure to one or two beta-blocker tablets places children at very little, if any, risk of toxicity.