Can Hyperkalemia Cause Digoxin Toxicity

Hyperkalemia is the usual electrolyte abnormality precipitated by digoxin toxicity, primarily in the acute setting. Hyperkalemia may be associated with acute renal failure that subsequently precipitates digoxin toxicity.

What causes digoxin toxicity?

The most common trigger of digoxin toxicity is hypokalemia, which may occur as a result of diuretic therapy. Dosing errors are also a common cause of toxicity in the younger population.

How is hyperkalemia treated in digoxin toxicity?

Treat hyperkalemia by using sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis and insulin plus glucose to enhance potassium uptake by cells. Treatment with digoxin Fab fragments is indicated for hyperkalemia with a potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L, and may obviate other forms of treatment.