Which antidote is used for digoxin toxicity?

Which antidote is used for digoxin toxicity?

• A. Digoxin immune FAB
• B. Calcium gluconate
• C. Protamine sulfate
• D. Flumazenil

Answer: (A)

Digoxin toxicity is treated with a specific antidote: digoxin immune Fab. These antibody fragments bind free digoxin in the blood, forming an inert complex that prevents digoxin from inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in heart cells. By neutralizing the circulating drug, they rapidly reverse the dangerous effects on heart conduction and excitability, helping to restore normal rhythm. The body then clears the Fab-digoxin complex via the kidneys. This approach is preferred in severe toxicity, especially with life-threatening arrhythmias or markedly high digoxin levels. Other options listed are not antidotes for digoxin: calcium gluconate is not an antidote and may not counteract toxicity; protamine sulfate reverses heparin; flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.

Digoxin toxicity is treated with a specific antidote: digoxin immune Fab. These antibody fragments bind free digoxin in the blood, forming an inert complex that prevents digoxin from inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in heart cells. By neutralizing the circulating drug, they rapidly reverse the dangerous effects on heart conduction and excitability, helping to restore normal rhythm. The body then clears the Fab-digoxin complex via the kidneys. This approach is preferred in severe toxicity, especially with life-threatening arrhythmias or markedly high digoxin levels. Other options listed are not antidotes for digoxin: calcium gluconate is not an antidote and may not counteract toxicity; protamine sulfate reverses heparin; flumazenil reverses benzodiazepines.