[Clinical and pharmacokinetic studies in patients with digitalis intoxication (author's transl)]

Abstract

6 patients with severe digitalis intoxication were studied while hospitalised in a coronary care unit. 2 and 4 patients had ingested high doses of lanatosid C and digoxin, respectively. In three cases ventricular arrhythmias, in one of these and two further cases SA blocking and an additional A-V-block in one case were observed. Maximum blood levels of digoxin between 3.4 and 20 ng/ml were determined several hours after the ingestion. The maximal blood levels were achieved in one patient only 52 h after ingesting lanatosid C and in one patient taking digoxin after 12.5 h. Potassium concentrations in plasma were elevated in 4 patients. Antiarrhythmic and electrolyte therapy is discussed and the usefulness of a stomach lavage for diminishing the quantity of absorbed lanatosid C is shown in one patient who had a maximal blood level of 3.4 ng/ml after taking 23.7 mg of lanatosid C. Cumulative urinary excretion of this patient was 0.68 mg within 5.5 days. This result confirms the minimal enteral absorption under the therapy chosen.