What is the commonly used drug for treating frequent ventricular premature beats caused by digitalis toxicity?
Jun 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Digitalis toxicity refers to a toxic reaction caused by an overdose of digitalis drugs following their intake or use. In cases of digitalis toxicity, ventricular arrhythmias are common, particularly ventricular premature beats and ventricular tachycardia. Generally, medications commonly used to treat frequent ventricular premature beats due to digitalis toxicity include lidocaine, amiodarone, and magnesium sulfate.
Digitalis toxicity refers to poisoning caused by excessive intake or use of digitalis drugs. When digitalis toxicity occurs, the heart is prone to ventricular arrhythmias, particularly ventricular premature beats and ventricular tachycardia. In general, commonly used medications for treating frequent ventricular premature beats due to digitalis toxicity include lidocaine, amiodarone, and magnesium sulfate. Specific details are as follows:
1. Lidocaine: Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic drug that inhibits sodium channels in myocardial cell membranes, thereby reducing the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias.
2. Amiodarone: Amiodarone is a broad-spectrum antiarrhythmic agent that inhibits multiple ion channels, including those for sodium, potassium, and calcium, thus reducing the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.
3. Magnesium sulfate: Magnesium sulfate acts as a calcium antagonist, reducing excitability of myocardial cells and thereby decreasing the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias.
In addition, other medications such as phenytoin sodium, potassium chloride, and propranolol may also be used. It should be noted that all these medications must be used under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, the patient's electrocardiogram and vital signs should be closely monitored to promptly detect and manage adverse reactions such as ventricular arrhythmias.
