Digitalis glycoside poisoning

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The leaves of the purple and woolly digitalis (Digitalis purpurea and Digitalis lanata) contain glycoside compounds that act specifically on the heart, slowing its activity and strengthening the force of contraction.

Similar compounds have also been found in many other plants. They are the basic drugs in heart failure, hence the name of cardiac glycosides next to digitalis. Poisoning is most often the result of overdosing (these drugs accumulate).

Symptoms of poisoning

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, slow heart rate, arrhythmia (extrasystoles, twin heart rate), then increased heart rate (tachycardia) with complete arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, eventually cardiac arrest. Previously, visual disturbances (double vision, color vision: yellow or green, scotomas), headache, dizziness, ataxia, numbness or mental agitation with convulsions, dyspnoea, cyanosis.

First aid

Immediate cessation of further administration of digitalis preparations and possibly concomitant diuretics. In oral poisoning, medicinal charcoal in water solution, inducing vomiting, laxatives, protection of basic life functions. Attention! Immediate medical call required.

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1 Comment

  1. ڈی جیٹلس کیا ہوتا ہے

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