[Problems of digitalis therapy].

Abstract

The problems of digitalis therapy are closely related to the intoxication rate of 10-20% in patients under longterm treatment. Awareness of the problems occurring in digitalis therapy should result in a decrease in the intoxication rate. This can be accomplished by (1) information to the patient and (2) information to the physician regarding the pitfalls of digitalis therapy. In this context reference will be made to therapeutic range, mode of digitalization, absorption, conditions associated with decreased digitalis tolerance, conditions involving increased need of digitalis, conditions associated with decreased need for digitalis, and drug interactions.