Is digoxin toxicity fatal?

As a medical professional with expertise in pharmacology and toxicology, I can provide you with an informed perspective on digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity can be a serious medical condition, and in some cases, it can be fatal. The severity of the toxicity depends on several factors, including the amount ingested, the duration of exposure, the individual's underlying health status, and the presence of any co-existing medical conditions or medications that may interact with digoxin. The most common symptoms of digoxin toxicity are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, the cardiac manifestations are the most concerning. Digoxin toxicity can induce a wide range of arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats. It is important to note that while digoxin toxicity can cause many types of arrhythmias, it typically does not cause rapidly conducted atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Prompt medical attention is crucial in cases of suspected digoxin toxicity. Treatment may involve supportive care, administration of specific antidotes, and the removal of digoxin from the body through various means, such as activated charcoal or dialysis.

The most common symptoms are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The cardiac manifestations are the most concerning and can be fatal. Digoxin toxicity can induce literally every arrhythmia except for rapidly conducted atrial arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter).