Digitalis toxicity phenytoin

Phenytoin. Phenytoin sodium is sodium diphenylhydantoin [630-93-3] which is stmcturally related to the barbiturates. It was originally introduced as an anticonvulsant (18) (see Hypnotics, sedatives, and anticonvulsants) and later found to have antiarrhythmic properties (19), although not approved by the PDA for any arrhythmic indications. Phenytoin is effective in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias associated with acute MI and with digitalis toxicity (20). It is not very effective in treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias (20). 

Phenytoin, like lidocaine, is more effective in the treatment of ventricular than supraventricular arrhythmias. It is particularly effective in treating ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity, acute myocardial infarction, open-heart surgery, anesthesia, cardiac catheterization, cardioversion, and angiographic studies. 

Phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin, Dilantin) has been in use as an antiepileptic agent since 1938. Its ability to abolish ventricular tachycardia was noted much later. It is currently used in the treatment of several clinical arrhythmic disorders but especially in disorders induced by toxic dosage levels of digitalis, in ventricular tachycardia, and in atrial tachycardia with block. It is probably not effective in other types of atrial arrhythmias. 

Phenytoin has a stabilising effect on the myocardial cells so that the toxic threshold of digoxin at which arrhythmias occur is raised. However, the bradycardic effects of the digitalis glycoside are not opposed and the lethal dose is unaltered, so that the cardiac arrest reported would appear to be the result of excessive bradycardia. It seems possible that the fall in plasma digitoxin levels may be due to a phenytoin-induced increase in the metabolism of the digitoxin by the liver. ... 

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