What is the antidote for beta blockers?

The antidote for beta blocker overdose is glucagon. It is effective because it can increase heart rate and contractility by activating adenylate cyclase, which leads to enhanced production of cyclic AMP, counteracting the negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of beta blockers. When administered, glucagon can help stabilize cardiac function in patients who are experiencing severe cardiovascular effects due to beta blocker toxicity.

In contrast, calcium gluconate is typically used for calcium channel blocker overdoses, while atropine is usually utilized for bradycardia and may not be effective in reversing the effects of beta blockers. Activated charcoal is a method of gastrointestinal decontamination rather than a specific antidote, and it is used to absorb toxins but does not address the pharmacological effects of beta blockers. Thus, glucagon is the preferred and specific antidote in managing beta blocker overdose situations.