Acute sulphonylurea overdose results in profound and prolonged hypoglycaemia with onset usually within eight hours of ingestion. Hypoglycaemia can also develop at therapeutic doses, particularly in the setting of acquired or pre-existing renal dysfunction. Although initial control of hypoglycaemia requires administration of concentrated dextrose solution, early administration of the specific antidote, octreotide, greatly simplifies subsequent management.
References
- Spiller HA, Villalobos D, Krenzelok EP et al. Prospective multicenter study of sulfonylurea ingestion in children. Journal of Pediatrics 1997; 131:141-146.
- Harrigan RA, Nathan MS & Beattie P. Oral agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: pharmacology, toxicity and treatment. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2001; 38:68-78.
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