Clinical use of digitalis glycosides
Huffman, D.H.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 33(2): 179-185
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9289 PMID: 769542 Document Number: 99253
The pharmacology of digitalis compounds is reviewed, and the clinical use of the cardiac glycosides is discussed with particular attention to the selection of patients for digitalis therapy and to a study of the usefulness of various methods to monitor digitalis therapy. The discussion includes pharmacokinetics, clinical considerations, and digitalis toxicity and its treatment. It is concluded that the digitalis glycosides remain the most useful and reliable drugs for producing a long-term increase in myocardial contractility. However, in view of the high frequency of toxicity, it is important to consider the possibility that these drugs may have been overused.