Activated charcoal safe and effective for digoxin toxicity

Abstract

I read with interest the article (1Piccini J. Zaas A. Cases from the Osler Medical Service at Johns Hopkins University. Digitalis toxicity with bidirectional ventricular tachycardia.Am J Med. 2003; 115: 70-71Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar) in the July 2003 issue of the Journal regarding the assessment and treatment of digoxin toxicity. In addition to administering potassium, discontinuing digoxin, and assessing the patient's magnesium-calcium status, the administration of activated charcoal (the kind used in overdose patients) is very helpful. It usually allows one to avoid using digoxin antibodies, as the administration of activated charcoal causes the digoxin level to drop 30% to 40% in 12 to 18 hours, thus avoiding the nadir of digoxin's medical benefits that occur when one administers digoxin antibodies. I read with interest the article (1Piccini J. Zaas A. Cases from the Osler Medical Service at Johns Hopkins University. Digitalis toxicity with bidirectional ventricular tachycardia.Am J Med. 2003; 115: 70-71Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar) in the July 2003 issue of the Journal regarding the assessment and treatment of digoxin toxicity. In addition to administering potassium, discontinuing digoxin, and assessing the patient's magnesium-calcium status, the administration of activated charcoal (the kind used in overdose patients) is very helpful. It usually allows one to avoid using digoxin antibodies, as the administration of activated charcoal causes the digoxin level to drop 30% to 40% in 12 to 18 hours, thus avoiding the nadir of digoxin's medical benefits that occur when one administers digoxin antibodies.