Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Glucagon in tricyclic overdose

Emerg Med J. 2003 May;20(3):264-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.20.3.264-a.

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether the addition of glucagon to standard treatments improves clinical outcome in patients who have taken an overdose of tricyclic antidepressants. Altogether 31 papers were found using the reported search, of which three presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amitriptyline / poisoning*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / poisoning*
  • Drug Overdose
  • Emergencies
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Glucagon / therapeutic use*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Amitriptyline
  • Glucagon