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How is digoxin associated with hypokalemia?

In: Medication and Drugs [Edit categories]

Answer:

Usually, hyperkalemia is associated with usage of digoxin. This is due to the blocking action of digoxin on the Na/K ase which results in accumulation of extracellular K+.
Most of the times, patients presenting with heart problems are already on diuretics before they are prescribed with digoxin. Diuretics cause hypokalemia as they result in excessive excretion of K+ from the body. Hypokalemia in turn causes digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity does not cause hypokalemia, but hypokalemia can worsen digoxin toxicity.

First answer by Pprriieennccee. Last edit by Sawin kop. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 6 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

How is taking a diuretic associated with hypokalemia?
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