Digoxin Intoxication

Abstract

Digoxin was first isolated from Digitalis lanata in 1930. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used in the treatment of heart failure and arrhythmia. It was approved in 1998 by the American Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of heart failure. Although it is frequently used in heart failure patients, it can be used for atrial fibrilla-tion and heart palpitations. It can be used orally or by intravenous injection. It exerts its effects by inhibiting the Na + , K +-dependent ATPase pump in cardiac cells. It slows heart rates by its negative effect on the sinoatrial node. It has a positive effect on ventricular contraction. However, it causes a decrease in heart rates due to its negative effect on the atrioventricular node. The narrow safety margin of blood digoxin levels raises some concerns about the drug. Toxic effects can be seen if serum levels rise above 2 ng/mL. Common effects include breast enlargement in men, loss of appetite, confusion, deterioration in visual quality, and disturbances in heart rhythm. Our aim in this article is to summarize the effects of digoxin on the cardiovascular system and current approaches in case of possible side effects.