From the Guidelines
There is no specific antidote for tirzepatide overdose, and management primarily involves supportive care focused on monitoring and treating symptoms as they arise. The treatment approach should prioritize addressing potential hypoglycemia, nausea, and vomiting, as well as closely monitoring the patient's blood glucose levels, electrolytes, and hydration status 1.
For patients experiencing hypoglycemia from tirzepatide overdose, oral glucose administration should be provided if the patient is conscious, or intravenous dextrose (D50W, 25-50 mL) if unconscious or unable to take oral glucose. Severe nausea and vomiting may require antiemetics such as ondansetron 4-8 mg IV/PO.
Key considerations in managing tirzepatide overdose include:
- Monitoring blood glucose levels closely due to the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when tirzepatide is used in combination with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Providing supportive care for symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- Observing patients for an extended period, typically at least 24-48 hours, due to tirzepatide's long half-life of approximately 5 days, as symptoms may persist or recur 1.
It's crucial to understand that tirzepatide works by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon, which explains why hypoglycemia is a primary concern, particularly when combined with other diabetes medications rather than when used alone. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in their monitoring and prepared to manage any complications that may arise from tirzepatide overdose.
From the FDA Drug Label
In the event of an overdosage, contact Poison Control for latest recommendations. Appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms. A period of observation and treatment for these symptoms may be necessary, taking into account the half-life of tirzepatide of approximately 5 days
The FDA drug label does not provide a specific antidote for Tirzepatide overdose. In case of an overdose, the recommended course of action is to:
- Contact Poison Control for the latest recommendations
- Initiate supportive treatment based on the patient's clinical signs and symptoms
- Monitor the patient for an appropriate period, considering the half-life of Tirzepatide 2 2
From the Research
Antidote for Tirzepatide
There is no specific antidote mentioned in the provided studies for Tirzepatide overdose.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of Tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, rather than its overdose treatment 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Adverse events related to Tirzepatide, such as gastrointestinal events, hypoglycemia, and discontinuation, are discussed in the studies, but no antidote is mentioned 5, 6.
- The safety profile of Tirzepatide is compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, but no information on a specific antidote is provided 4, 6.
- Overall, there is a lack of information on a specific antidote for Tirzepatide overdose in the provided studies.