digitalis toxicity

digitalis toxicity

Digoxin toxicity Cardiology Clinical findings of digoxin overdose Clinical Loss of appetite, N&V, defects in color vision–reds and greens, or seeing halos around lights, psychotic changes, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness; new onset of arrhythmias typical of DT include frequent or multiform PVCs, ventricular tachycardia, atrial tachycardia with block, accelerated junctional rhythms, Wenckebach rhythms, and A Fib with slowed ventricular responses, hyperkalemia Management Discontinue digoxin, monitor arrhythmias with telemetry, correct acid-base, electrolyte, and volume abnormalities; treat medical conditions–eg, hypoxia, ischemia, and arrhythmias; arrhythmias are common and often respond to lidocaine and/or dilantin; in extreme emergencies, digoxin antibody fragments, which bind the active portion of the digoxin molecule, may be needed to ↓ DT