Cardiac Glycosides And Drugs For Heart Failure
Question 1. Enumerate Important Indications Contraindications And Adverse Reactions Of Digitalis.
Or
Write Important Uses, Side Effects, And Contraindications Of Digitalis.
Or
Give An Account Of Adverse Reactions To Digitalis.
Or
Describe The Therapeutic Uses Of Digoxin.
Answer:
Indications Or Uses Of Digitalis
- It is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
- It is used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
- In atrial fibrillation, it controls the ventricular rate by reducing the number of impulses passing down to the AV node.
- During atrial flutter, it decreases ventricular rate.
- It is used in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
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Contraindications Of Digitalis
- During treatment with digitalis partial AV block is converted to complete AV block.
- The use of digitalis in myocardial infarction may produce arrhythmias.
- It causes hypokalemia.
- It causes ventricular tachycardia.
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Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects Of Digitalis
Adverse effects of digitalis are divided into two parts i.e. ext- extracardiac and cardiac.
Extracardiac Side Effects
- GIT: Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.
- CNS: Headache, confusion, restlessness, disorientation, weakness, altered mood, and hallucination.
- Skin rashes and gynecomastia.
Cardiac Side Effects
It can produce any type of arrhythmia. It can cause AV block, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and bradycardia.
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Question 2. Explain Why Iv Calcium Should Not Be Given To Patients On Digitalis Therapy?
Answer:
When IV calcium is given to a patient on digitalis therapy it synergizes with digitalis and precipitates digitalis toxicity. That’s why IV calcium should not be given to patients on digitalis therapy.
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