Which gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate digoxin toxicity?

Nausea and vomiting are classic gastrointestinal symptoms associated with digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, can have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. When levels in the body become too high, the disruption in ionic balance and effects on the central nervous system can lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

These symptoms occur due to the drug's interference with normal gastrointestinal function as well as its impact on the vagal tone, which can affect motility and streamline digestive processes. Recognizing nausea and vomiting in a patient on digoxin can prompt further assessment of digoxin levels, renal function, and other factors that may increase the risk of toxicity, ensuring timely intervention to prevent more severe complications.