Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the leaves of the foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in treating heart conditions. In modern medicine, digoxin is prescribed to manage heart failure and to regulate heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. It is known for its ability to increase the strength of heart contractions and decrease heart rate, making it an important drug in cardiology.
Mechanism of Action
Digoxin works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac cells, which leads to an increase in intracellular sodium. This, in turn, promotes calcium influx into the cells, enhancing cardiac contractility (positive inotropic effect). Additionally, digoxin exerts a vagomimetic effect, which reduces heart rate and slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. The overall effect is improved cardiac output and reduced symptoms of heart failure.
Lethal Dose
The lethal dose of digoxin varies depending on individual susceptibility and other health factors. Generally, the therapeutic range for digoxin is 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL, and doses exceeding 10-30 mg can be fatal. However, even lower doses can cause toxicity, particularly in individuals with renal impairment or those taking other medications that interact with digoxin.
Symptoms
Digoxin toxicity can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Visual disturbances (e.g., yellow-green halos around lights)
- Confusion and dizziness
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Fatigue and weakness
Severe toxicity can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death if not promptly treated.
Time Needed to Kill
The time it takes for digoxin to cause fatal effects can vary significantly. In cases of acute overdose, death can occur within hours due to severe cardiac arrhythmias. However, chronic toxicity may take longer to develop and could result in death over several days or weeks, depending on the extent of toxicity and the individual’s health status.
Detection in Autopsy
Digoxin can be detected in blood and tissue samples during autopsy. Toxicological analysis can reveal elevated digoxin levels, which can help determine if digoxin toxicity contributed to the cause of death. However, the interpretation of digoxin levels can be complex due to factors like timing of the sample collection and the presence of other substances.
digoxin toxicity, symptoms of digoxin overdose, treatment for digoxin poisoning, lethal dose of digoxin, cardiac glycosides, mechanism of action of digoxin, digoxin side effects, digoxin in heart failure, digoxin antidote, detecting digoxin in autopsy.
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the leaves of the foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in treating heart conditions. In modern medicine, digoxin is prescribed to manage heart failure and to regulate heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. It is known for its ability to increase the strength of heart contractions and decrease heart rate, making it an important drug in cardiology.
Mechanism of Action
Digoxin works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac cells, which leads to an increase in intracellular sodium. This, in turn, promotes calcium influx into the cells, enhancing cardiac contractility (positive inotropic effect). Additionally, digoxin exerts a vagomimetic effect, which reduces heart rate and slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. The overall effect is improved cardiac output and reduced symptoms of heart failure.
Lethal Dose
The lethal dose of digoxin varies depending on individual susceptibility and other health factors. Generally, the therapeutic range for digoxin is 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL, and doses exceeding 10-30 mg can be fatal. However, even lower doses can cause toxicity, particularly in individuals with renal impairment or those taking other medications that interact with digoxin.
Symptoms
Digoxin toxicity can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including:
Severe toxicity can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death if not promptly treated.
Time Needed to Kill
The time it takes for digoxin to cause fatal effects can vary significantly. In cases of acute overdose, death can occur within hours due to severe cardiac arrhythmias. However, chronic toxicity may take longer to develop and could result in death over several days or weeks, depending on the extent of toxicity and the individual’s health status.
Detection in Autopsy
Digoxin can be detected in blood and tissue samples during autopsy. Toxicological analysis can reveal elevated digoxin levels, which can help determine if digoxin toxicity contributed to the cause of death. However, the interpretation of digoxin levels can be complex due to factors like timing of the sample collection and the presence of other substances.
digoxin toxicity, symptoms of digoxin overdose, treatment for digoxin poisoning, lethal dose of digoxin, cardiac glycosides, mechanism of action of digoxin, digoxin side effects, digoxin in heart failure, digoxin antidote, detecting digoxin in autopsy.