The most common trigger of digoxin toxicity is hypokalemia, which may occur as a result of diuretic therapy. Dosing errors are also a common cause of toxicity in the younger population.
What can increase digoxin toxicity?
What increases my risk for digoxin toxicity?
- Older age.
- Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or heart disease.
- Low blood levels of potassium or magnesium.
- High blood levels of potassium or calcium.
- Use of herbal supplements that contain substances similar to digoxin.
What worsens digoxin toxicity?
In states of hypokalemia, or low potassium, digoxin toxicity is actually worsened because digoxin normally binds to the ATPase pump on the same site as potassium. When potassium levels are low, digoxin can more easily bind to the ATPase pump, exerting the inhibitory effects.
