Effects of first and second generation sulphonylureas on cardiotoxicity of strophanthidin in rabbits.

The effects of the first generation sulphonylurea compound gliclazide and the second generation sulphonylurea compound glipizide on strophanthidin toxicity was investigated in rabbits. The sulphonylurea pretreated animals were intravenously infused with 23 mumol/kg strophanthidin until the appearance of the first ventricular ectopic beat and continued thereafter until the appearance of ventricular fibrillation. The first generation sulphonylurea gliclazide increased, while the second generation sulphonylurea glipizide decreased the strophanthidin toxicity in a dose dependent manner. It was concluded that instead of first generation sulphonylureas, second generation sulphonylureas must be preferred in cardiac glycoside treated diabetics, when sulphonylurea treatment is necessary.