Magnesium therapy in massive digoxin intoxication.
A potentially fatal case of massive digitalis intoxication is presented. Recurrent ventricular fibrillation failed to respond to lidocaine or phenytoin, but responded dramatically to magnesium sulfate infusion. A review of the literature and previous clinical studies, as well as the case reported here, appears to indicate that magnesium sulfate given intravenously in adequate quantities (2 to 3 g in one minute followed by 2 g/h for 4 to 5 h) is effective in controlling ventricular irritability caused by toxic levels of digitalis preparations.
D004077:Digoxin / Q000506:poisoning*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000188:drug therapy; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy
D004077:Digoxin; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate