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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
07:54
Cholesterol Efflux Assay
Published on: March 6, 2012
[Cholestyramine for digoxin intoxication]
1Medical Dept. A, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa.
Harefuah
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Cholestyramine, a bile acid binder, effectively reduced digoxin levels and half-life in patients with mild digoxin toxicity. This safe adjunctive therapy shows promise for managing non-life-threatening digitalis intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, has a narrow therapeutic index.
- Digoxin toxicity can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
- Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant with in vitro binding properties.
Observation:
- Three patients with non-life-threatening digoxin intoxication received cholestyramine.
- Dosage administered was 4 g every 6 hours.
Findings:
- Serum digoxin concentrations decreased in all three patients.
- Digoxin half-life was significantly reduced in all cases (from 50 to 32 hours, 50 to 10 hours, and 46 to 16 hours).
Implications:
- Cholestyramine demonstrates potential as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for mild digoxin toxicity.
- This approach may offer a new therapeutic option for managing digitalis overdose.
- Further studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing in a larger population.
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