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Digitalis Toxicity

Daniel R. Matta, DFPHM, FAAFP, MD and Amanda Kimberley Davis, MBBS, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A life-threatening condition resulting from intoxication by digitalis (digoxin).

  • Toxicity can occur as acute ingestion of medication or as chronic toxicity most commonly due to decrea...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • For patients at risk for toxicity from chronic use, a thorough medication review is necessary. This includes asking about the initiation of new medications, discontinuation of previou...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • There are no evidence-based guidelines for mild to moderate digitalis toxicity.

  • Severe toxicity as indicated by significant dysrhythmia requires hospitalization and possible a...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Psychiatric referral is indicated for all intentional overdoses.

  • In chronic toxicity, close follow-up by a primary care physician or cardiologist is recommended if...

REFERENCES

1
See  I, Shehab  N, Kegler  SR, et al. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for digoxin toxicity: United States, 2005 to 2010. Circ Heart Fail.  201...

CODES

ICD10

  • T46.0X1A Poisoning by cardi-stim glycos/drug simlar act, acc, init

  • T46.0X2A Poisn by cardi-stim glycos/drug simlar act, self-harm, init

  • T46.0X4A Poisoning by cardi-stim glycos/drug simlar act...

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