title: [Alternatives to glycoside therapy?].
abstract: The narrow therapeutic range of digitalis glycosides and the danger of intoxication has prompted a search for alternative medication in recent years. Substances reducing the pre- and afterload of the heart are suitable therapeutic agents and vasodilators are, therefore, used as adjuvant or alternative therapy. Of all positive inotropic substances only the catecholamines play an established part in the treatment of acute myocardial failure. Pilot studies testing orally administrable positive inotropic substances are being conducted, but for the moment no such drugs are available for routine use. Digitalis still remains the drug of choice for all forms of primary impairment of contractility and/or supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. The appropriate dosage has to be adapted to the estimated lean body mass and, if necessary, reduced in a thin person, Digitoxin is preferentially used in cases with suspected renal insufficiency (especially in elderly patients).
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004074:Digitoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D004071:Digitalis Glycosides; D004232:Diuretics; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D004074:Digitoxin
vernacular_title: Alternativen zur Glykosidtherapie?