Computer simulation on the cumulation of digitoxin

Abstract

A computer program has been made that shows amount of digitoxin in the body in log scale under any dosage scheme. With this program,the posology on digitoxin was studied,and the following conclusions were obtained: 1) Loading dose will be useful not only to obtain a rapid onset of action but also to know the sensitivity of the individual to the drug. 2) The loading dose, 0.3 mg divided into 3 in a day will be recommended until the desired level of digitalization is achieved. 3) After the loading period the drug administration should be interrupted fora day before tne administration of maintenance dose. 4) The appropriate maintenance dose will be estimated on the basis of the total amount of the loading dose, i.e., 1/10 of the total amount of the loading dose will be adequate in most cases in which the half-life of digitoxin is thought to be 5 days. 5) When the half-life is longer than 5 days or the loading period is more than 3 days, the proper maintenance dose will be much less. 6) Both the loading and maintenance dose should be adjusted individually. 7) The present program the adjustment of the doses to achieve an optimal effect. 8) Diagnosis of the optimal level of digitalization remains to be investigated with other programs.