Digoxin-specific antibodies: a novel dosing strategy

Abstract

Digoxin-specific antibodies (digoxin-Fabs) are of value in the treatment of a strongly suspected or a known, potentially life-threatening digoxin toxicity. These antibodies are not registered for use in Europe; therefore Dutch hospital pharmacies are not allowed to keep them in stock. In the Netherlands, digoxin-Fabs are stored in a national calamity stock of emergency medicines at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. In the case of a medical emergency, digoxin-Fabs are available after contact with the Dutch Poisons Information Centre. Recent studies have shown that the dose of digoxin-Fabs required to effectively treat digoxin toxicity is lower than previously thought. In this article, we present the adjusted digoxin-Fab dosing strategy currently recommended by the Dutch Poisons Information Centre (www.vergiftigingen.info). This new dose titration strategy is safe and effective and has a cost-saving side-effect.