Which symptom is most indicative of digoxin toxicity?

Which symptom is most indicative of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Cough
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Visual halos
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (C)

Visual halos around lights are the most characteristic sign of digoxin toxicity. This occurs because digoxin inhibits Na+/K+-ATPase in retinal cells, leading to color vision disturbances such as yellow or yellow-green halos (xanthopsia). While nausea, vomiting, confusion, and various cardiac rhythm disturbances can also occur with toxicity, the appearance of halos is the classic and most distinctive symptom. Other options like a cough, hypoglycemia, or weight gain are not typical indicators of digoxin toxicity. If halos are observed in a patient taking digoxin, it’s important to assess digoxin levels, renal function, and potassium and manage accordingly.