The Use of Digitalis in Children

Abstract

Digitalis, properly administered, is the best single therapeutic agent for control of heart failure and many of the supraventricular arrhythmias in infants and children, but adjunctive measures are also necessary. Overdosage is associated with severe toxicity. The purified digitalis preparations have virtually replaced the crude forms of the drug, and their use requires extreme caution because of their potency; this is especially true in both newborn and premature infants. Choice of preparation is not as important as knowledge of therapeutic as well as toxic manifestations. The patient's electrolyte status significantly influences the effect of digitalis.