- According to the Nursing 2010 Drug Handbook, some medications may increase the risk of developing toxin levels of Digoxin in the blood including certain herbs, diltiazem, indomethacin, anticholinergics, nifedipine, certain antibiotics, amiodarone, verapamil and quinine.
- According to mayoclinic.com, early signs of Digoxin toxicity include appetite loss, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and vision abnormalities such as blurred or double vision and seeing greenish-yellow halos around images or lights.
Other signs of Digoxin toxicity include a heartbeat below 60 beats per minute, irregular heartbeat, the feeling of a pounding heartbeat and fainting. - If Digoxin toxicity is suspected, seek emergency medical attention by calling 911 or contact the National Poison Control Center by calling (800) 222-1222.
- A toxic level of Digoxin is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms, an EKG to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart, and a Digoxin blood test to determine if your level is toxic.
- Treatment of a Digoxin overdose includes activated charcoal, an antidote, discontinuing or decreasing the Digoxin dose, correction of potassium or magnesium imbalances, and the insertion of a tube through your nose which is used to empty the stomach. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the toxicity.
