Digoxin is characterized by which type of therapeutic range?

Digoxin is characterized by which type of therapeutic range?

• A. Wide therapeutic window
• B. Not used for heart conditions
• C. Narrow therapeutic window
• D. Rapidly absorbed

Answer: (C)

Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window. This means the range between doses that provide benefit and those that cause toxicity is small, so careful dosing and monitoring are essential. Clinically useful blood concentrations are about 0.5–2 ng/mL, and toxicity can occur with levels not far above the lower end—especially in older patients or those with reduced kidney function or interacting drugs. Because of the narrow window, therapy is individualized and monitored via serum levels, renal function, and electrolytes. The other statements don’t fit: a wide window would imply a large safety margin, digoxin is indeed used for heart conditions, and its absorption rate isn’t what defines its therapeutic range.

Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window. This means the range between doses that provide benefit and those that cause toxicity is small, so careful dosing and monitoring are essential. Clinically useful blood concentrations are about 0.5–2 ng/mL, and toxicity can occur with levels not far above the lower end—especially in older patients or those with reduced kidney function or interacting drugs. Because of the narrow window, therapy is individualized and monitored via serum levels, renal function, and electrolytes. The other statements don’t fit: a wide window would imply a large safety margin, digoxin is indeed used for heart conditions, and its absorption rate isn’t what defines its therapeutic range.