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Cardiac glycoside overdose

Definition

Cardiac glycosides are a class of medications used to treat heart failure. Cardiac glycoside overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Cardiac glycoside is a chemical that has effects on the heart, stomach, intestines, and nervous system. It is the active ingredient in many different heart medicines. It can be poisonous if taken in large amounts.

Where Found

Cardiac glycosides are the main (active) ingredient in certain prescription medicines, including:

• Deslanoside (cedilanin-D)
• Digitoxin (Crystodigin)
• Digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)

Cardiac glycosides also occur naturally in certain plants. For information on poisoning from such plants, see:

• Foxglove poisoning
• Oleander poisoning

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Halos around objects (yellow, green, white) *
• Skin
  • Allergic reaction (see: Stevens-johnson syndrome)
  • Hives
  • Rash
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite*
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Irregular heartbeat (or slow)
  • Weakness
• Nervous system
  • Confusion
  • Depression*
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Hallucinations*
  • Headache
  • Lethargy
• Psychological system
  • Apathy (not caring what happens)

* These symptoms are usually only seen with chronic overdose cases.

Home Care

Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care provider.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• EKG
• Blood tests to check digitalis, magnesium, and potassium levels
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effects of the overdose
• Methods to correct electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances
• Tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

The greatest risk of death and bad outcomes are seen in young children and older adults. Older persons are especially likely to suffer from problems of chronic (long-term) cardiac glycoside poisoning.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.