Large-scale Digitoxin Intoxication

Overview

Journal Br Med J

Specialty General Medicine

Date 1970 Sep 26

PMID 5273245

Citations 15

Authors

A H LELY

C H VAN ENTER

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Because of an error in the manufacture of digoxin tablets a large number of patients took tablets that contained 0.20 mg. of digitoxin and 0.05 mg. of digoxin instead of the prescribed 0.25 mg. of digoxin. The symptoms are described of 179 patients who took these tablets and suffered from digitalis intoxication. Of these patients, 125 had taken the faultily composed tablets for more than three weeks. In 48 patients 105 separate disturbances in rhythm or in atrioventricular conduction were observed on the electrocardiogram. Extreme fatigue and serious eye conditions were observed in 95% of the patients. Twelve patients had a transient psychosis. Extensive ophthalmological observations indicated that the visual complaints were most probably caused by a transient retrobulbar neuritis.

Citing Articles

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Haruna Y, Kawasaki T, Kikkawa Y, Mizuno R, Matoba S Am J Case Rep. 2020; 21:e924025.

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The role of digitalis pharmacokinetics in converting atrial fibrillation and flutter to regular sinus rhythm.

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Acquired colour vision deficiency in patients receiving digoxin maintenance therapy.

Lawrenson J, Kelly C, Lawrenson A, Birch J Br J Ophthalmol. 2002; 86(11):1259-61.

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Inappropriate use of digoxin in the elderly: how widespread is the problem and how can it be solved?.

Haas G, Young J Drug Saf. 1999; 20(3):223-30.

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Advances in the management of digoxin toxicity in the older patient.

Borron S, Bismuth C, MUSZYNSKI J Drugs Aging. 1997; 10(1):18-33.

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