What Digoxin level is considered toxic?

Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, but it has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between therapeutic and toxic levels is small. A digoxin level greater than 2.0 ng/mL is typically considered indicative of potential toxicity, but levels above 2.4 ng/mL are more definitively associated with a higher risk of toxicity and adverse effects.

At concentrations greater than 2.4 ng/mL, patients are at an increased risk for digoxin toxicity, which can present with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and arrhythmias. Understanding the correct threshold for toxicity is crucial for safe patient management and ensuring that any necessary interventions can be promptly initiated.

While levels above other mentioned values may also indicate concern, the specific threshold of greater than 2.4 ng/mL is often recognized in clinical practice as a clearer demarcation where toxicity is more likely to occur and requires closer monitoring and potentially immediate intervention. This knowledge is essential for maintaining patient safety when administering digoxin.