Digitalis
What is an arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. Changes in the electrical signals that control your heartbeat cause arrhythmias.
- When your heart beats faster than normal, it's called tachycardia.
- When your heart beats too slowly, it's called bradycardia.
- When the signal to beat comes too early, it's called a premature or extra heartbeat. It may feel like your heart skipped a beat.
There are many types of arrhythmias. Arrhythmias may affect the upper or lower chamber of your heart. The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular and fast heartbeat.
Some arrhythmias are harmless, such as when your heart rate speeds up during exercise and slows down when you sleep. But if you have a frequent irregular rhythm, it may mean your heart isn't pumping enough blood into your body. Getting treatment and following a heart-healthy lifestyle can help control arrhythmias. It may also help prevent heart damage that can trigger some heart arrhythmias.
What causes an arrhythmia?Many factors can affect your heart's rhythm, such as having had a heart attack, smoking, congenital heart defects, and stress. Other factors that could increase your risk for some types of arrhythmias could include if you:
- Have a family history of arrhythmias.
- Have certain health conditions, which can include heart and blood vessel diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, obesity, and sleep apnea.
- Are an older adult.
- Have had recent surgery for your heart, lungs, or throat.
- Take certain medicines for other health conditions.
- Use illegal drugs.
If you have risk factors, some situations that make your heart work harder, raise your blood pressure, or cause strong emotional stress may trigger an arrhythmia.
What are the symptoms of an arrhythmia?You may not have any noticeable symptoms of an arrhythmia. Your provider may find an arrhythmia during your routine checkup. Symptoms of an arrhythmia can include:
- Fast or slow heartbeat
- Skipping, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Tiredness or weakness
Seek emergency medical care if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or think you are having a heart attack.
How is an arrhythmia diagnosed?To find out if you have an arrhythmia, your health care provider may order an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test records your heart's electrical activity and is the most common for finding an arrhythmia. Your provider may also:
- Ask about your medical history, including your symptoms and lifestyle habits.
- Do a physical exam, which includes checking your heartbeat and pulse.
- Order blood tests and other heart tests.
- Check your legs or feet for swelling.
- Look for signs of other health conditions that could cause an arrythmia, such as thyroid disease.
Treatment may include medicines, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker, or sometimes surgery. Your provider may also recommend avoiding activities that may trigger your arrhythmia.
The goal of treatment is to restore a normal heart rhythm. If not treated, arrhythmias can damage your heart, brain, and other organs and could be life-threatening.
Can arrhythmias be prevented?To help prevent an arrhythmia, your provider may suggest that you make heart-healthy lifestyle changes and treat health conditions that may cause arrhythmias.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Digitalis
ADONIS VERNALIS
... weak heart. Action.Fresh adonis is irritant and vesicant. Upon the circulation it acts much like digitalis, but is prompter in action and not cumulative. It is an energetic agent and capable of poi...... and blood vessels. Therapy.On account of its quicker action Adonis has been preferred by some to digitalis and strophanthus in the same class of heart affections to which these are applicable, or i......ar remedy in Russia for dropsies of both heart and kidney origin. It is probably less valuable than digitalis where the cardiac valves are greatly affected. Scudder valued adonis in heart-strain from ...1
... weak heart. Action.Fresh adonis is irritant and vesicant. Upon the circulation it acts much like digitalis, but is prompter in action and not cumulative. It is an energetic agent and capable of poi...... and blood vessels. Therapy.On account of its quicker action Adonis has been preferred by some to digitalis and strophanthus in the same class of heart affections to which these are applicable, or i......ar remedy in Russia for dropsies of both heart and kidney origin. It is probably less valuable than digitalis where the cardiac valves are greatly affected. Scudder valued adonis in heart-strain from ...1
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM
The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...nd a yellow glucoside, apocynein; and apocynamarin, or cynotoxin, or cymarin, all of which resemble digitalis glucosides in action. Preparations.-1. Specific Medicine Apocynum. Dose, 1/4 to 20 drops. ... / ...may be looked for. Under these circumstances we have removed enormous dropsical swellings with it, giving quick relief from dyspnea and1
The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...nd a yellow glucoside, apocynein; and apocynamarin, or cynotoxin, or cymarin, all of which resemble digitalis glucosides in action. Preparations.-1. Specific Medicine Apocynum. Dose, 1/4 to 20 drops. ... / ...may be looked for. Under these circumstances we have removed enormous dropsical swellings with it, giving quick relief from dyspnea and1
ASCLEPIAS INCARNATA
The root of Asclepias incarnata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). Common in damp and wet grounds throughout the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...tic and vermifuge. There is good reason to believe this agent a good diuretic to be substituted for digitalis in cases of edema dependent upon cardiac insufficiency. Its action is similar to that of f... / ...it is said to expel lumbricoids. 1
The root of Asclepias incarnata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). Common in damp and wet grounds throughout the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...tic and vermifuge. There is good reason to believe this agent a good diuretic to be substituted for digitalis in cases of edema dependent upon cardiac insufficiency. Its action is similar to that of f... / ...it is said to expel lumbricoids. 1
BUCHU (Barosma)AGBE2
The dried leaves of (1) Barosma betulina (Thunberg), Bartling and Wendland, or of (2) Barosma serratifolia (Curtis), Willdenow. (Nat. Ord.... / ...is not pronounced, but it is frequently used with other agents, as citrate or acetate of potassium, digitalis, or spirit of nitrous ether, which make it more efficient for the purposes of renal depura... / ...have far better remedies. Buchu renders the urine dark, the latter depositing a brownish precipitate. It should never be used in acute disorders.1
The dried leaves of (1) Barosma betulina (Thunberg), Bartling and Wendland, or of (2) Barosma serratifolia (Curtis), Willdenow. (Nat. Ord.... / ...is not pronounced, but it is frequently used with other agents, as citrate or acetate of potassium, digitalis, or spirit of nitrous ether, which make it more efficient for the purposes of renal depura... / ...have far better remedies. Buchu renders the urine dark, the latter depositing a brownish precipitate. It should never be used in acute disorders.1
CACTUS (Selenicereus spp.)
...and pericarditis. According to E. M. Hale, M.D., it acts. upon the circular cardiac fibers, whereas digitalis acts upon all the muscular fibers of the heart. Like the latter, as a secondary effect of ......Valvular troubles have been noted to gradually disappear under its prolonged administration. Unlike digitalis it does not disorder the stomach nor is it cumulative. Cactus acts upon the vessels throug...1
...and pericarditis. According to E. M. Hale, M.D., it acts. upon the circular cardiac fibers, whereas digitalis acts upon all the muscular fibers of the heart. Like the latter, as a secondary effect of ......Valvular troubles have been noted to gradually disappear under its prolonged administration. Unlike digitalis it does not disorder the stomach nor is it cumulative. Cactus acts upon the vessels throug...1
CONIUM
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...s of the stomach pump. Artificial respiration and heat are to be used, and strychnine, atropine and digitalis, as well as the diffusible stimulants, to sustain respiration and the circulation. Therapy... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...s of the stomach pump. Artificial respiration and heat are to be used, and strychnine, atropine and digitalis, as well as the diffusible stimulants, to sustain respiration and the circulation. Therapy... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
CONVALLARIACONVA
...ffects upon the human circulation convallaria closely resembles that of its more powerful congener, digitalis, without, however, causing the unpleasant disturbances occasioned by that drug. Unlike dig...... it is not cumulative, nor is it distinctly poisonous. Moreover, it has a laxative action, and like digitalis, increases diuresis secondarily, by its effects upon blood pressure. Like digitalis, conva...... digitalis, convallaria may be used where there is feeble circulation and low blood-pressure. While digitalis is the more often indicated, sometimes convallaria is more effective on account of the dis...1
...ffects upon the human circulation convallaria closely resembles that of its more powerful congener, digitalis, without, however, causing the unpleasant disturbances occasioned by that drug. Unlike dig...... it is not cumulative, nor is it distinctly poisonous. Moreover, it has a laxative action, and like digitalis, increases diuresis secondarily, by its effects upon blood pressure. Like digitalis, conva...... digitalis, convallaria may be used where there is feeble circulation and low blood-pressure. While digitalis is the more often indicated, sometimes convallaria is more effective on account of the dis...1
DIGITALIS
The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae), carefully dried and preserved away from lig......digitalic and antirrhinic acids, volatile oil, etc. There are no positively determined alkaloids in digitalis. Preparations.1. Specific Medicine Digitalis. Dose, 1/5 to 1 drop. 2. Infusum Digitalis.......eparations.1. Specific Medicine Digitalis. Dose, 1/5 to 1 drop. 2. Infusum Digitalis. Infusion of Digitalis. (A cinnamon-flavored, 1 1/2 per cent, infusion). Dose, 1 to 2 fluidrachms. 3. Tinctura Di...1
The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceae), carefully dried and preserved away from lig......digitalic and antirrhinic acids, volatile oil, etc. There are no positively determined alkaloids in digitalis. Preparations.1. Specific Medicine Digitalis. Dose, 1/5 to 1 drop. 2. Infusum Digitalis.......eparations.1. Specific Medicine Digitalis. Dose, 1/5 to 1 drop. 2. Infusum Digitalis. Infusion of Digitalis. (A cinnamon-flavored, 1 1/2 per cent, infusion). Dose, 1 to 2 fluidrachms. 3. Tinctura Di...1
ELATERIUM
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...with congestion or torpor, it may be given with podophyllin; if there are heart complications, with digitalis. It is quite certain to reduce the ascites; but when the latter is dependent on destructio... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...with congestion or torpor, it may be given with podophyllin; if there are heart complications, with digitalis. It is quite certain to reduce the ascites; but when the latter is dependent on destructio... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
GAULTHERIA
The leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae). Damp woods and sandy soils of eastern third of the United States. Common... / ...e value of this oil in cystitis with putrescent urine. While few agents should be administered with digitalis, oil of wintergreen is a grateful adjuvant and does not impair the usefulness of the foxgl... / ...of infants. Gaultheria is an agent of special value as a flavoring agent and preservative for water-dispensed medicines in the summer season. Fo1
The leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae). Damp woods and sandy soils of eastern third of the United States. Common... / ...e value of this oil in cystitis with putrescent urine. While few agents should be administered with digitalis, oil of wintergreen is a grateful adjuvant and does not impair the usefulness of the foxgl... / ...of infants. Gaultheria is an agent of special value as a flavoring agent and preservative for water-dispensed medicines in the summer season. Fo1
GELSEMIUM
The dried rhizome and roots of Gelsemium sempervirens (Linné,) Aiton (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). Dose, 1/10 to 1 grain. Common Names: Yellow... / ... enforced by the hypodermatic use of atropine, and that of the heart by ammonia, ether, alcohol and digitalis, the first three in the order named, to sustain the organ until the digitalis, which shoul... / ...great restlessness and excitation are the classic indications for it as first formulated by Scudder, and these stand among the truest of speci1
The dried rhizome and roots of Gelsemium sempervirens (Linné,) Aiton (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). Dose, 1/10 to 1 grain. Common Names: Yellow... / ... enforced by the hypodermatic use of atropine, and that of the heart by ammonia, ether, alcohol and digitalis, the first three in the order named, to sustain the organ until the digitalis, which shoul... / ...great restlessness and excitation are the classic indications for it as first formulated by Scudder, and these stand among the truest of speci1
LYCOPUSLYSH2
...od-making and nutrition improved. Upon the cardio-vascular system it has been compared in action to digitalis, though it is far less powerful than that drug, and besides is non-poisonous and not cumul......art disorders, both functional and organic, lycopus should not be disregarded. It may be used where digitalis cannot be employed on account of its offensive action upon the stomach. Administered to pa...1
...od-making and nutrition improved. Upon the cardio-vascular system it has been compared in action to digitalis, though it is far less powerful than that drug, and besides is non-poisonous and not cumul......art disorders, both functional and organic, lycopus should not be disregarded. It may be used where digitalis cannot be employed on account of its offensive action upon the stomach. Administered to pa...1
PHYSOSTIGMAPHYSO4
The dried, ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A climbing perennial, native of Calabar, in the Gulf of Guinea, on... / ...ion of external heat, and respiratory and cardiac stimul ation by means of alcohol, ether, ammonia, digitalis, and strychnine. Wood suggests the availability of the antagonizing effect of pilocarpine ... / ...drug has not therefore had a fair trial. It is one of the suggested antidotes for strychnine poisoning, the alkaloid being preferred. For all of1
The dried, ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A climbing perennial, native of Calabar, in the Gulf of Guinea, on... / ...ion of external heat, and respiratory and cardiac stimul ation by means of alcohol, ether, ammonia, digitalis, and strychnine. Wood suggests the availability of the antagonizing effect of pilocarpine ... / ...drug has not therefore had a fair trial. It is one of the suggested antidotes for strychnine poisoning, the alkaloid being preferred. For all of1
PRUNUS VIRGINIANA
The stem-bark of Prunus serotina, Ehrhart or Prunus virginiana, Miller, collected in the autumn and carefully dried (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). Woods of... / ...tinal and renal. Wild cherry is very efficient in uncomplicated palpitation of the heart, and where digitalis is required it lessens the irritative action of the latter upon the stomach. Wild cherry w...1
The stem-bark of Prunus serotina, Ehrhart or Prunus virginiana, Miller, collected in the autumn and carefully dried (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). Woods of... / ...tinal and renal. Wild cherry is very efficient in uncomplicated palpitation of the heart, and where digitalis is required it lessens the irritative action of the latter upon the stomach. Wild cherry w...1
SCILLASCILL
...h inability to retain the urine. Action and Toxicology.Squill is a powerful drug acting much like digitalis upon the heart muscle, and probably with greater force upon the peripheral vessels, increa......erial tension. It is a violent gastrointestinal irritant and it disturbs the stomach more than does digitalis. Even small doses cause nausea and vomiting; and some individuals are so susceptible to it......ne of functional weakness, squill may be used with good effect. Its diuretic action is increased by digitalis and the alkaline diuretics, notably acetate and citrate of potassium. Squill, in powdered...1
...h inability to retain the urine. Action and Toxicology.Squill is a powerful drug acting much like digitalis upon the heart muscle, and probably with greater force upon the peripheral vessels, increa......erial tension. It is a violent gastrointestinal irritant and it disturbs the stomach more than does digitalis. Even small doses cause nausea and vomiting; and some individuals are so susceptible to it......ne of functional weakness, squill may be used with good effect. Its diuretic action is increased by digitalis and the alkaline diuretics, notably acetate and citrate of potassium. Squill, in powdered...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Digitalis
ADONIS VERNALIS (False Hellebore)
The herb of ADONIS VERNALIS, Lin. Cardiac tonic and diure tic, resembling in its action Digitalis but not liable to produce cumu lative effects. Uses the same as those of Digitalis. Dose, according to Botkin, 0.2 to 0.6 Grm. (3 to 10 grs.), but smaller doses, e. g. 0.06 to 0.12 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.). are commonly given. The active principle is the glucoside adonidin, of which the dose is stated to be 0.004 to 0.016 Grm. (1 16 to % gr.), but this seems large.2
The herb of ADONIS VERNALIS, Lin. Cardiac tonic and diure tic, resembling in its action Digitalis but not liable to produce cumu lative effects. Uses the same as those of Digitalis. Dose, according to Botkin, 0.2 to 0.6 Grm. (3 to 10 grs.), but smaller doses, e. g. 0.06 to 0.12 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.). are commonly given. The active principle is the glucoside adonidin, of which the dose is stated to be 0.004 to 0.016 Grm. (1 16 to % gr.), but this seems large.2
DIGITALIS (Foxglove)
The leaves of DIGITALIS PURPUREA, Lin. A powerful cardiac tonic, diminishing the frequency and increasing the force of the heart’s contractions. In large doses dangerously poisonous. Indirectly it acts as a diuretic, and is often prescribed for this purpose in dropsies of cardiac origin. Dose, 0.06 to 0.13 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.). Active principle (in part) Digitalin, q. v.2
The leaves of DIGITALIS PURPUREA, Lin. A powerful cardiac tonic, diminishing the frequency and increasing the force of the heart’s contractions. In large doses dangerously poisonous. Indirectly it acts as a diuretic, and is often prescribed for this purpose in dropsies of cardiac origin. Dose, 0.06 to 0.13 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.). Active principle (in part) Digitalin, q. v.2
LILY OF THE VALLEY (Convailaria)
The flowers, the rhizome and roots 'and the herb of CONVALLARIA MAJALIS. Lin. Cardiac tonic, acting also like Digitalis as an active diuretic; in large doses, emeto-cathartic. Active principle the glucoside Convallamarin, q. v.2
The flowers, the rhizome and roots 'and the herb of CONVALLARIA MAJALIS. Lin. Cardiac tonic, acting also like Digitalis as an active diuretic; in large doses, emeto-cathartic. Active principle the glucoside Convallamarin, q. v.2
NITROGLYCERIN (Glonoin, Trinitrin)
Product of the action of nitric acid on GLYCERIN. The remedy reduces arterial pressure at the same time dilating remarkably the capillary blood vessels. It is thus a remedy for chills and the inter nal congestions causing these, for angina pectoris, for cardiac failure (cautiously used) for some forms of asthma and dysmenorrhea, and in combination with digitalis as a rapidly acting stimulant. Dose, 0.0003 to 0.006 Grm. (1-200 to 1-10 gr.).2
Product of the action of nitric acid on GLYCERIN. The remedy reduces arterial pressure at the same time dilating remarkably the capillary blood vessels. It is thus a remedy for chills and the inter nal congestions causing these, for angina pectoris, for cardiac failure (cautiously used) for some forms of asthma and dysmenorrhea, and in combination with digitalis as a rapidly acting stimulant. Dose, 0.0003 to 0.006 Grm. (1-200 to 1-10 gr.).2
SPARTEINE
Alkaloid obtained from CYTISUS SCOPARIUS, (L.) Link., (Broom. u. v.). Diuretic and cardiac stimulant. Used in the same way as Digitalis, or combined therewith; locally applied in erysipelas. Dose of the sulphate, 0.015 to 0.06 Grm. (1/4 to 1 gr.).2
Alkaloid obtained from CYTISUS SCOPARIUS, (L.) Link., (Broom. u. v.). Diuretic and cardiac stimulant. Used in the same way as Digitalis, or combined therewith; locally applied in erysipelas. Dose of the sulphate, 0.015 to 0.06 Grm. (1/4 to 1 gr.).2
SQUILL
The bulb of URGINEA MARITIMA, (L.) Bak. Nauseant, expecto rant, diuretic. Used chiefly in bronchial affections andinadropsy, in the latter case often in combination with Digitalis. It must not be given when there is acute inflammation of the kidneys.2
The bulb of URGINEA MARITIMA, (L.) Bak. Nauseant, expecto rant, diuretic. Used chiefly in bronchial affections andinadropsy, in the latter case often in combination with Digitalis. It must not be given when there is acute inflammation of the kidneys.2
STROPHANTHUSSTROP4
The seeds of STROPAHNTHUS KOMBE, Oliver. A powerful cardiactonic resembling Digitalis and having the same range of uses. It is said to be apt to cause diarrhea. Active principle Strophanthin. Dose of the seeds, 0.003 to 0.03 Grmi (1-20 to 1/2 gr.); of Strophauthin, 0.0002 to 0.001 Grm. (1-300 to 1-60 gr.).2
The seeds of STROPAHNTHUS KOMBE, Oliver. A powerful cardiactonic resembling Digitalis and having the same range of uses. It is said to be apt to cause diarrhea. Active principle Strophanthin. Dose of the seeds, 0.003 to 0.03 Grmi (1-20 to 1/2 gr.); of Strophauthin, 0.0002 to 0.001 Grm. (1-300 to 1-60 gr.).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Digitalis
ANEURISM
When accessible, treat by pressure and other surgical procedures. Rest in bed and freedom from... / ...ntial in any case. The diet must be simple and not stimulating. Potassium iodide is commonly useful. Use veratrum viride or possibly aconite, but not digitalis to control heart action. For pain, opiates, morphine com bined with chloral or croton chloral; chlorodyne. To favor formation of clots, gall...2
When accessible, treat by pressure and other surgical procedures. Rest in bed and freedom from... / ...ntial in any case. The diet must be simple and not stimulating. Potassium iodide is commonly useful. Use veratrum viride or possibly aconite, but not digitalis to control heart action. For pain, opiates, morphine com bined with chloral or croton chloral; chlorodyne. To favor formation of clots, gall...2
COLLAPSE
The most important remedies are Elixir D igitalin Compound, N., B. & Co. and atropine hypodermatically. Subcutaneous injection of saline solution; ether. digitalis, alcohol are remedies of value. See Shock.2
The most important remedies are Elixir D igitalin Compound, N., B. & Co. and atropine hypodermatically. Subcutaneous injection of saline solution; ether. digitalis, alcohol are remedies of value. See Shock.2
CONGESTION. LOCAL
Glyceroplasma acts as a local depletant and so in many Cases gives relief. In internal congestions, eliminants, ergot, digitalis and quinine are useful agents, cathartics being most frequently pre scribed.2
Glyceroplasma acts as a local depletant and so in many Cases gives relief. In internal congestions, eliminants, ergot, digitalis and quinine are useful agents, cathartics being most frequently pre scribed.2
ENDOCARDITIS
In the early stage, control heart’s action with aconite or veratrum viride; calomel and opium or morphine; leeches or ice bag over pre cordium. Later sustain heart’s action with digitalis. If of rheuma tic or syphilitic origin adopt appropriate general treatment. In cases of acute articular rheumatism, watch for indications of cardiac inflammation and meet symptoms promptly.2
In the early stage, control heart’s action with aconite or veratrum viride; calomel and opium or morphine; leeches or ice bag over pre cordium. Later sustain heart’s action with digitalis. If of rheuma tic or syphilitic origin adopt appropriate general treatment. In cases of acute articular rheumatism, watch for indications of cardiac inflammation and meet symptoms promptly.2
EPILEPSY
During the seizure, amyl nitrite is the remedy most likely to be of service; chloroform must be used, if at... / ...ium iodide in full doses must be used instead of the bromide. Other remedies of im portance are belladonna (combined with bromides), cannabis indica, digitalis, horse-nettle and chloral hydrate. In children, ascertain whether the irritation is due to worms and treat accordingly.2
During the seizure, amyl nitrite is the remedy most likely to be of service; chloroform must be used, if at... / ...ium iodide in full doses must be used instead of the bromide. Other remedies of im portance are belladonna (combined with bromides), cannabis indica, digitalis, horse-nettle and chloral hydrate. In children, ascertain whether the irritation is due to worms and treat accordingly.2
HEART DISEASE
In organic diseases of the heart. remedies must be adapted to symptoms presented. Digitalis and similar agents are to be used when... / In organic diseases of the heart. remedies must be adapted to symptoms presented. Digitalis and similar agents are to be used when increase of blood pressure is desired; strophanthus when increas ed pressure will do harm, while yet ... / ...tonics are indicated, particularly nux vomica and iron. In cardiac failure, use diffusible stimulants, ammonia, ether and alcohol.2
In organic diseases of the heart. remedies must be adapted to symptoms presented. Digitalis and similar agents are to be used when... / In organic diseases of the heart. remedies must be adapted to symptoms presented. Digitalis and similar agents are to be used when increase of blood pressure is desired; strophanthus when increas ed pressure will do harm, while yet ... / ...tonics are indicated, particularly nux vomica and iron. In cardiac failure, use diffusible stimulants, ammonia, ether and alcohol.2
NEPHRITIS, ACUTE
Prescribe at first aconite, calomel and sodium bicarbonate fol lowed by a saline cathartic; warm mucilaginous drinks, potassium citrate and Ze-an; Glyceroplasma over loins. If uremia is threaten ed, elaterium, Tonic Pilocarpine Compound, hot air baths to cause sweating. In later stages digitalis and squill, caffeine, compound spirit juniper, even cantharides in small doses.2
Prescribe at first aconite, calomel and sodium bicarbonate fol lowed by a saline cathartic; warm mucilaginous drinks, potassium citrate and Ze-an; Glyceroplasma over loins. If uremia is threaten ed, elaterium, Tonic Pilocarpine Compound, hot air baths to cause sweating. In later stages digitalis and squill, caffeine, compound spirit juniper, even cantharides in small doses.2
NEPHRITIS, CHRONIC
Special care must be taken to avoid exposure to cold. Alcohol must be interdicted and the diet must be carefully regulated so as to throw as little burden as possible on the kidneys. Albumin may often be diminished by nitro-glycerine, sometimes by cantharides. As diuretics, digitalis, squill and calomel, digitalis and caffeine or juniper berries and potassium bitartrate have their uses.2
Special care must be taken to avoid exposure to cold. Alcohol must be interdicted and the diet must be carefully regulated so as to throw as little burden as possible on the kidneys. Albumin may often be diminished by nitro-glycerine, sometimes by cantharides. As diuretics, digitalis, squill and calomel, digitalis and caffeine or juniper berries and potassium bitartrate have their uses.2
PERICARDITIS
General treatment for Inflammation, q. v.; aconite; calomel and opium of special importance; for heart failure caffeine and alcohol are safer than digitalis, whose effects must be carefully watched. If ef fusion occurs, use hydragogues or aspirate.2
General treatment for Inflammation, q. v.; aconite; calomel and opium of special importance; for heart failure caffeine and alcohol are safer than digitalis, whose effects must be carefully watched. If ef fusion occurs, use hydragogues or aspirate.2
PNEUMONIA (Croupous.)
Only at the very outset are arterial sedatives useful,... / ...um being best. When consolidation has begun, pyrexia is to be combat ed by cold sponging, while the action of the heart is reinforced if necessary by digitalis and alcoholic stimulants. Elixir Digitalin Compound, N., B. & Co., is often useful. Strychnine and atropine hypodermatically are important r... / ...to be combined sometimes with the more stimulant am monium carbonate.2
Only at the very outset are arterial sedatives useful,... / ...um being best. When consolidation has begun, pyrexia is to be combat ed by cold sponging, while the action of the heart is reinforced if necessary by digitalis and alcoholic stimulants. Elixir Digitalin Compound, N., B. & Co., is often useful. Strychnine and atropine hypodermatically are important r... / ...to be combined sometimes with the more stimulant am monium carbonate.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.