digoxin immune Fab

digoxin immune FAB, ovine,

a preparation of antigen-binding fragments derived from specific antidigoxin antibodies produced in sheep that have been immunized with digoxin coupled as a hapten to human serum albumin. It is used as an antidote to life-threatening digoxin and digitoxin overdose and is administered intravenously.

indications It is prescribed for the treatment of life-threatening digoxin or digitoxin toxicity.

contraindications Use of this product should be restricted to patients who are in shock or cardiac arrest or show signs of severe ventricular arrhythmias, progressive bradycardia, or potassium concentrations exceeding 5 mEq/L.

adverse effects Among reported adverse reactions are low cardiac output, congestive heart failure exacerbated by withdrawal of the inotropic effect of digoxin, rapid ventricular response caused by withdrawal of the digitalis effect, and possible hypokalemia.

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digoxin [dĭ-jok´sin]

a cardiotonic glycoside obtained from the leaves of Digitalis lanata; used in the treatment of congestive heart failure. It has a relatively rapid action and rapid elimination.

digoxin immune Fab (ovine) see under Fab.

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Fab (fragment, antigen-binding)

originally, either of two identical fragments, each containing an antigen combining site, obtained by papain cleavage of the IgG molecule; now generally used as an adjective in terms such as Fab fragment or region, referring to an “arm” of any immunoglobulin monomer, i.e., one light chain and the adjoining heavy chain V_H and C_H1 domains.

digoxin immune Fab (ovine) a preparation of antigen-binding fragments derived from specific antidigoxin antibodies produced in sheep that have been immunized with digoxin coupled as a hapten to human serum albumin, used as an antidote to life-threatening digoxin and digitoxin overdose; administered intravenously.