Combined intoxication with digitoxin and verapamil. The possible inhibition of sensitisation to digitalis-specific antiserum by toxic drug concentrations.
The clinical course in a patient with a combined intoxication with digitoxin (maximal serum level 357 nmol/l) and verapamil is described. The patient received two injections of digitalis-specific antiserum. No adverse reactions to the therapy was seen, and the antiserum markedly shortened the plasma half-life of digitoxin. In vitro studies indicate that digitoxin in concentrations seen during the intoxication may have an immunosuppressive effect, thereby reducing the risk of sensitisation to the antiserum.
Bruserud
O
O
Medical Department, University School of Medicine, Bergen, Norway.
Skadberg
B T
BT
Ohm
O J
OJ
D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004074:Digitoxin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D014700:Verapamil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*
D000906:Antibodies; D014700:Verapamil; D004074:Digitoxin