Possible Interaction: Cardiac Glycosides and Calcium Supplement

“The growth inhibiting effect of the glycoside on HL-60 cells was promoted by calcium and was inhibited in the presence of zinc, which support involvement of endonuclease activation in the glycoside-induced apoptosis.”

“ Cardiac glycosides exert a positive inotropic effect by inhibiting sodium pump (Na,K-ATPase) activity, decreasing the driving force for Na+-Ca++ exchange, and increasing cellular content and release of Ca++ during depolarization.”

“Cardiac glycosides inhibit the membrane sodium-potassium pump raising the concentration of intracellular sodium which is then available for exchange with extracellular calcium by another membrane transport system.6 Thus cardiac glycosides can increase intracellular calcium and enhance contractility.”

“The inotropic effect of cardiac glycosides may also depend on the calcium that is bound to these stores.”

“It is inferred that cardiosteroids should be combined with small amounts of calcium in order to attain a positive inotropic effect.”

“The possible involvement of calcium increase in the genesis of cardiac glycoside induced myocardial cell necrosis is discussed.”

“The data strongly suggest that calcium entry into cells is a major mediator of the renin inhibitory effect and of the renal vasoconstriction induced by cardiac glycosides.”

“THe synergistic effects between calcium and the therapeutic and toxic actions of the cardiac glycosides have suggested that a way of treating digitalis intoxication could be through a decrease in free plasma calcium.”

“ C.G. influence the Ca content and Ca movements of smooth muscles.”

“The CG are thought to alter the Ca binding in this pool, thus rendering depolarization more effective in releasing Ca++.”