Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Digitalis toxicity

Table of Contents

Symptoms
  • Confusion
  • Irregular pulse
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea , vomiting , diarrhea
  • Palpitations
  • Visual changes (unusual)
    • Blind spots in vision
    • Blurred vision
    • Changes in color perception
    • Halos or rings of light around objects
    • Seeing lights or bright spots

Additional symptoms that may be associated with digitalis toxicity include:

  • Decreased consciousness
  • Decreased urine output
  • Difficulty breathing when lying down
  • Excessive nighttime urination
  • Overall swelling

Signs and tests

The heart rate may be rapid or slow and may be irregular.

An ECG is done to check for irregular heart beats.

Blood tests will be done to check:

  • BUN and creatinine (which help reveal kidney function)
  • Digoxin and digitoxin levels
  • Potassium level
  • Magnesium level

See also:

  • Blood chemistry
  • Digoxin - test
  • Digitoxin - test

Review Date: 01/23/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)