Arrhythmias Associated With Digitalis Therapy

Abstract

All therapeutically active preparations of digitalis may cause toxicity, which is frequently manifested by cardiac arrhythmias. The type of arrhythmia produced depends on whether the irritant or depressant effect of digitalis predominates, If a potassium deficiency is present, even small doses of digitalis may cause toxic reactions. The author recommends that treatment of digitalis-induced arrhythmias include withholding or reducing digitalis dosage, administering potassium salts or a chelating agent, and possibly using procaine amide.