Which antidote is used to treat digoxin toxicity?

Which antidote is used to treat digoxin toxicity?

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

Answer: (A)

When digoxin toxicity is a concern, the specific antidote is digoxin immune Fab. These are antibody fragments that bind digoxin with high affinity, neutralizing its effect on the heart. By capturing circulating digoxin, they rapidly reverse the drug’s suppression of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, improving conduction and rhythm and lowering the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. The resulting digoxin–Fab complexes are then cleared by the kidneys. Dosing is guided by how much digoxin was taken and the patient’s weight or serum level, and treatment often requires multiple vials with careful monitoring of potassium and renal function. Calcium gluconate can be used to stabilize the heart in some severe cases or to treat hyperkalemia, but it is not the antidote and does not neutralize digoxin. Protamine sulfate and flumazenil reverse heparin and benzodiazepines, respectively, and do not counteract digoxin toxicity.

When digoxin toxicity is a concern, the specific antidote is digoxin immune Fab. These are antibody fragments that bind digoxin with high affinity, neutralizing its effect on the heart. By capturing circulating digoxin, they rapidly reverse the drug’s suppression of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, improving conduction and rhythm and lowering the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. The resulting digoxin–Fab complexes are then cleared by the kidneys. Dosing is guided by how much digoxin was taken and the patient’s weight or serum level, and treatment often requires multiple vials with careful monitoring of potassium and renal function.

Calcium gluconate can be used to stabilize the heart in some severe cases or to treat hyperkalemia, but it is not the antidote and does not neutralize digoxin. Protamine sulfate and flumazenil reverse heparin and benzodiazepines, respectively, and do not counteract digoxin toxicity.