What is the antidote for digoxin toxicity?

What is the antidote for digoxin toxicity?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Flumazenil
• C. Digibind
• D. Protamine sulfate

Answer: (C)

Digoxin toxicity is treated with digoxin-specific antibody fragments, known as Digibind (DigiFab). These antibodies bind circulating digoxin with high affinity, neutralizing it and allowing the drug to be excreted. By removing digoxin from the Na+/K+-ATPase–inhibited tissues, the toxic effects on cardiac conduction and automaticity are rapidly reversed, stabilizing the rhythm and hemodynamics. This makes Digibind the antidote of choice for life-threatening digoxin toxicity or significant hyperkalemia caused by digoxin exposure. The other agents are antidotes for different overdoses (opioids, benzodiazepines, heparin) and do not address digoxin’s mechanism. Dose depends on the amount of digoxin involved and the clinical severity, with monitoring of electrolytes and heart rhythm during treatment.

Digoxin toxicity is treated with digoxin-specific antibody fragments, known as Digibind (DigiFab). These antibodies bind circulating digoxin with high affinity, neutralizing it and allowing the drug to be excreted. By removing digoxin from the Na+/K+-ATPase–inhibited tissues, the toxic effects on cardiac conduction and automaticity are rapidly reversed, stabilizing the rhythm and hemodynamics. This makes Digibind the antidote of choice for life-threatening digoxin toxicity or significant hyperkalemia caused by digoxin exposure. The other agents are antidotes for different overdoses (opioids, benzodiazepines, heparin) and do not address digoxin’s mechanism. Dose depends on the amount of digoxin involved and the clinical severity, with monitoring of electrolytes and heart rhythm during treatment.