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Possible digoxin toxicity associated with concomitant ciprofloxacin therapy.
Brady S Moffett1, Santiago O Valdes, Jeffrey J Kim
1Department of Pharmacy, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Suite WB 1120, Houston, TX, 77030, USA, bsmoffet@texaschildrens.org.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, leading to symptoms like nausea and anorexia. Patients on both medications require close monitoring for adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Drug Interactions
Background:
- A patient with a history of complex cardiac conditions was treated for a sternal wound infection.
- Post-treatment, suppressive oral antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin was initiated.
Observation:
- The patient developed nausea and anorexia shortly after starting ciprofloxacin.
- These symptoms resolved upon discontinuation of digoxin.
Findings:
- The adverse effects were attributed to potential digoxin toxicity.
- This toxicity is suspected to be a drug-drug interaction between ciprofloxacin and digoxin.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant for digoxin toxicity in patients concurrently treated with ciprofloxacin.
- Close patient monitoring is recommended to mitigate risks associated with this drug combination.
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