Reversal of digoxin-induced changes in erythrocyte electrolyte concentrations by penicillamine in children.

Previous reports from this laboratory have shown that penicillamine effectively reduces serum digoxin levels and is a clinically useful drug in correcting digoxin intoxication. To elucidate further the antidigitalis effects of penicillamine a prospective study was undertaken in 10 children aged 4--14 years with congestive heart failure. Plasma and intracellular erythrocyte concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium as well as Na+/K+ and Na+/Ca++ ratios were measured before digitalization, 6 days after full digitalization while the patients were on maintenance doses of digoxin (0.