Observation and patient disposition after beta-blocker poisoning

Admit all symptomatic patients with beta-blocker poisoning, particularly those who have taken:

  • large ingestions
  • deliberate ingestions
  • unintentional ingestions of more than twice the daily dose of a beta blocker.

Observe all patients, except those with minor beta-blocker poisonings, with continuous ECG monitoring for at least:

  • 6 hours after ingesting an immediate-release preparation
  • 12 hours after ingesting a modified-release preparation of metoprolol.