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Digitalis Toxicity
DefinitionDigitalis toxicity is a complication of digitalis therapy, or it may be caused by an acute ingestion of digitalis.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Digitalis toxicity is the result of the body accumulating more digitalis than it can tolerate at that time. That can be caused by high levels of digitalis in the body, or it can be caused by "normal" levels but decreased tolerance by the body. Digitalis toxicity can occur from a single exposure, chronic overmedication, or can be precipitated with normal blood levels of digitalis if other risks are present.
Risks include taking digitalis medications such as digoxin or digitoxin, along with medications that interact with digitalis such as quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone, and others.
People with heart failure are commonly given diuretics (medications used to pull excess fluid from the body) along with digoxin. Many diuretics can cause potassium loss. Low levels of potassium in the body increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. Digitalis toxicity can also be precipitated by low levels of magnesium in the body.
Reduced kidney function will cause digitalis to accumulate in the body rather than being excreted normally through urine. Therefore, any disorders that disrupt kidney functioning (including dehydration) make digitalis toxicity more likely.
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Definition Digitalis Toxicity Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Digitalis Toxicity Symptoms & Signs Digitalis Toxicity Prevention Digitalis Toxicity Diagnosis & Tests Digitalis Toxicity Treatment Digitalis Toxicity Prognosis Digitalis Toxicity Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Arrhythmias Dehydration Heart Failure
Tests & Exams
BUN CHEM-20 Creatinine - Serum Dialysis Digitoxin - Test Digoxin - Test ECG Gastric Suction Pulse
Other Topics
Antibody Appetite - Decreased Breathing Difficulty - Lying Down Consciousness - Decreased CPR Heartbeat Sensations Nausea and Vomiting Swelling Urination - Excessive at Night Urine Output - Decreased Vision Problems
Review Date : 5/23/2003
Reviewed By : Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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