VPT 311: General and Systemic Veterinary Pharmacology (2+1)

DIGITALIZATION

• Digitalis glycosides have a narrow margin of safety.
• Initial administration of large dose in divided doses. (24-48 hrs)
  followed by maintenance dose.
• Loading dose in dogs
  

  • Slow method- 5 equal parts for 48hrs
  • Rapid method- 3 equal parts @ 6hr interval.
  • Intensive method- half dose initially, one fourth after 6hrs and one eighth each after 4 hr intervals
  • Digitoxin- 0.11 – 0.22mg/kg total loading dose
• Maintenance dose-0.011mg/kg @12hr intervals in dogs
• There is a considerable, individual variation in response to these glycosides.