Reversal of Digoxin Toxicity with Specific Antibodies

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Abstract

To determine whether digoxin-specific antibodies can reverse established digoxin toxicity in the dog, digoxin intoxication was produced by the intramuscular administration of digoxin, 0.09 mg/kg, on each of 3 consecutive days. All animals developed toxic arrhythmias (atrioventricular block, ventricular premature contractions and/or ventricular tachycardia). In control animals not receiving antidigoxin antibodies, the arrhythmias persisted throughout a 6 hr study period. Seven of the nine control dogs were dead within 24 hr and one moribund animal was sacrificed at that time; the last animal died within 48 hr.

Authors

Donald H. Schmidt, Vincent P. Butler Jr.