What is the therapeutic serum digoxin level range?

What is the therapeutic serum digoxin level range?

• A. 2-4
• B. 0.5-2
• C. 0-0.5
• D. 1-3

Answer: (B)

Digoxin has a very narrow therapeutic index, so keeping its serum level within a specific window is essential to balance effectiveness with toxicity risk. The therapeutic range for most adults is about 0.5 to 2 ng/mL. Levels in this window are likely to provide symptom control for heart failure or rate control in atrial fibrillation while minimizing the chance of toxicity. If the level is below 0.5 ng/mL, the drug may be subtherapeutic and less effective. If it rises above 2 ng/mL, the risk of toxicity increases, with symptoms such as GI upset, confusion, vision changes, and potentially dangerous arrhythmias. Therefore, 0.5 to 2 ng/mL is the best target. Ranges like 2-4, 0-0.5, or 1-3 ng/mL would respectively be too high, too low, or partially toxic, which is why they aren’t used as the therapeutic target.

Digoxin has a very narrow therapeutic index, so keeping its serum level within a specific window is essential to balance effectiveness with toxicity risk. The therapeutic range for most adults is about 0.5 to 2 ng/mL. Levels in this window are likely to provide symptom control for heart failure or rate control in atrial fibrillation while minimizing the chance of toxicity. If the level is below 0.5 ng/mL, the drug may be subtherapeutic and less effective. If it rises above 2 ng/mL, the risk of toxicity increases, with symptoms such as GI upset, confusion, vision changes, and potentially dangerous arrhythmias. Therefore, 0.5 to 2 ng/mL is the best target. Ranges like 2-4, 0-0.5, or 1-3 ng/mL would respectively be too high, too low, or partially toxic, which is why they aren’t used as the therapeutic target.