EFFECTS OF CALCIUM CHELATION ON DIGITALIS-INDUCED CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS

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Abstract
Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) abolished ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia caused by digitalis in the experimental animal and in man. When administered concomitantly with digitalis it exerted a protective action against digitalis toxicity in the experimental animal. Disodium EDTA reversed the ecg pattern of digitalis effect. Disodium EDTA seems to be a valuable agent in the management of digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias, especially in those in which a rapid response is desired. However, the effect may be only transient and it is therefore advisable to combine this form of therapy with oral K+ and/or procaine amide.