Which symptom is classically associated with digoxin toxicity?

Which symptom is classically associated with digoxin toxicity?

• A. Yellow vision (xanthopsia)
• B. Tinnitus
• C. Steatorrhea
• D. Hypokalemia

Answer: (A)

Recognizing the visual changes digoxin can cause is essential when thinking about its toxicity. Digoxin’s effect on Na+/K+ ATPase isn’t limited to the heart; in the retina it can alter photoreceptor function, leading to a characteristic yellow-green vision change called xanthopsia. This makes yellow vision the classic clue to digoxin toxicity. Other options don’t fit as well. Tinnitus is more typical of ototoxic drugs, not a hallmark of digoxin. Steatorrhea doesn’t relate to digoxin’s toxic effects. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity but isn’t a symptom of the toxicity itself.

Recognizing the visual changes digoxin can cause is essential when thinking about its toxicity. Digoxin’s effect on Na+/K+ ATPase isn’t limited to the heart; in the retina it can alter photoreceptor function, leading to a characteristic yellow-green vision change called xanthopsia. This makes yellow vision the classic clue to digoxin toxicity.

Other options don’t fit as well. Tinnitus is more typical of ototoxic drugs, not a hallmark of digoxin. Steatorrhea doesn’t relate to digoxin’s toxic effects. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity but isn’t a symptom of the toxicity itself.