Digoxin Toxicity Flashcards
Onset of acute digoxin toxicity
Minutes to several hours
Symptoms of acute digoxin toxicity
Can be asymptomatic, but symptoms include N/V, abdominal pain, lethargy, confusion, weakness
Caveat about chronic digoxin toxicity
Can be difficult to diagnose
Chronic digoxin toxicity symptoms
Loss of appetite, weakness, anorexia, N/V, abdominal pain, weight loss, delirium, confusion, drowsiness, HA, hallucinations, visual disturbances, seizures (rarely)
What electrolyte abnormality should you watch out for in digoxin toxicity and why?
HYPERKALEMIA, because it’s an indication for DigiFab treatment!
Digoxin toxicity symptoms: cardiac abnormalities
cardiac dysrhythmias including ventricular tachydysrhythmias and bradydysrhythmias
The cardiac dysrhythmias are due to what?
Sensitized myocardium and depressed AV node
Examples of cardiac dysrhythmias in digoxin toxicity
atrial flutter, afib with AV block, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, high-degree AV block, junctional tachycardia, sinus bradycardia
Diagnostic tests for digoxin toxicity
Digoxin serum concentrations, BMP with calcium and magnesium, blood gas, ECG, thyroid function tests, med list for DDIs
How long should you wait to obtain digoxin serum concentrations to ensure accuracy?
At least 6 hours
Total therapeutic range for digoxin
0.5-2ng/ml
What will give false positive results of digoxin toxicity?
Bilirubin and spironolactone
GI decontamination in digoxin toxicity: treatment
AC 1g/kg q2-4h up to 4 doses
Purpose of AC in digoxin toxicity
Prevents reabsorption from the GI tract and reduces half-life
When to use AC in digoxin toxicty
If definitive therapy with digoxin-specific Fab isn’t immediately available or if AKI