DIGOXIN TOXICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Digoxin toxicity refers to the occurrence of adverse effects or symptoms resulting from an excessive amount of Digoxin, a medication commonly used to treat various heart conditions, in the body. Digoxin is a type of cardiac glycoside that helps regulate the heart's rhythm and improves its ability to pump blood.
When Digoxin levels rise beyond the therapeutic range, it can lead to toxicity. This can occur due to various factors, including overdosing, impaired kidney function that affects drug elimination, drug interactions, or patient factors such as age and underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of digoxin toxicity can vary and may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in vision, confusion, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), dizziness, and weakness. Severe cases of toxicity can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or death.
Early recognition of digoxin toxicity is crucial for prompt management and prevention of serious complications. It is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure the level of digoxin in the bloodstream. Treatment involves discontinuing the medication, adjusting the dose as required, and providing supportive care to manage symptoms and stabilize heart function.
Prevention of digoxin toxicity can be achieved by careful monitoring of drug levels in the blood, appropriate dosing based on individual patient characteristics, and close monitoring of kidney function. Any suspected cases of toxicity should be reported immediately to a healthcare professional for evaluation and management.
Common Misspellings for DIGOXIN TOXICITY
- sigoxin toxicity
- xigoxin toxicity
- cigoxin toxicity
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- digixin toxicity
- digkxin toxicity
Etymology of DIGOXIN TOXICITY
The word "digoxin" comes from the scientific name of the plant Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its cardiac effects. When derived from the leaves of the plant, digoxin is a medication used in the treatment of heart failure and certain abnormal heart rhythms.
The term "toxicity" originates from the Greek word "toxikon", which means "poison". It refers to the degree to which a substance can harm or damage an organism. In the case of digoxin toxicity, it refers to the harmful effects that can occur when the level of digoxin in the body becomes too high and exceeds its therapeutic range. These effects can range from mild symptoms such as nausea and vomiting to more severe ones such as heart arrhythmias or even life-threatening conditions.
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