Abstract
We present a case of digoxin toxicity in the context of dehydration, renal dysfunction and concomitant use of the macrolide antibiotic, clarithromycin, which is known to inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux mechanisms of digoxin. A focused review of the literature is presented. Health care providers need to be vigilant of this mechanism of drug-drug interaction, which is also relevant to other commonly used cardiovascular drugs.
Copyright © 2011 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Aged, 80 and over
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects*
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Clarithromycin / therapeutic use*
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Digoxin / adverse effects*
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Digoxin / therapeutic use
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Drug Interactions
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Follow-Up Studies
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Heart Failure / complications
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Heart Failure / drug therapy*
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Humans
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Kidney Diseases / chemically induced*
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Kidney Diseases / diagnosis
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Male
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Pneumonia / complications
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Pneumonia / drug therapy*
Substances
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Digoxin
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Clarithromycin