Question

DOC for digitalis is induced centro-chilar tachycardia?

• A. Lidocaine
• B. Reducing dosage of digoxin itself, reverses the condition
• C. Verapamil
• D. Beta blockers

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Digitalis-induced "centro-chilar" (possibly a typographical error meant to reference "ventricular") tachycardia refers to an arrhythmia precipitated by digitalis toxicity. The appropriate treatment option for such tachycardia involves the administration of a drug that can effectively counteract the arrhythmic effects of digitalis. Among the options presented:

• Lidocaine
• Reducing dosage of digoxin itself, reverses the condition
• Verapamil
• Beta blockers

Lidocaine is the most suitable treatment. It is a class IB antiarrhythmic that acts preferentially on ischemic or depolarized Purkinje and ventricular tissue by blocking sodium channels, thereby reducing the automaticity and stabilizing the cardiac rhythm.

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Lidocaine is especially useful for ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity because it can decrease the heightened automaticity that digoxin may induce in the ventricular myocardium.
2. Other options like verapamil and beta-blockers can exacerbate heart block or lead to further complications due to their effects on cardiac contractility and conduction through the AV node.
3. Reducing the dosage of digoxin is a general management strategy but does not directly suppress the acute arrhythmic event as lidocaine does.

Therefore, for the management of tachycardia associated with digitalis, lidocaine provides immediate antiarrhythmic action.