In a patient on digoxin who is taking furosemide, which concomitant medication is most likely to contribute to symptoms such as yellow vision and tremors?

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

In a patient on digoxin who is taking furosemide, which concomitant medication is most likely to contribute to symptoms such as yellow vision and tremors?

The important concept is that digoxin toxicity is worsened by low potassium levels. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. When potassium is depleted, digoxin binds more readily to the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in heart cells, increasing its effects and raising the risk of toxicity. Yellow vision and tremors are classic signs of digoxin toxicity, so taking furosemide alongside digoxin is a key contributor to these symptoms. Other drugs listed don’t have as strong a role in precipitating this toxicity through potassium loss or direct interaction with digoxin.

The important concept is that digoxin toxicity is worsened by low potassium levels. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. When potassium is depleted, digoxin binds more readily to the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in heart cells, increasing its effects and raising the risk of toxicity. Yellow vision and tremors are classic signs of digoxin toxicity, so taking furosemide alongside digoxin is a key contributor to these symptoms. Other drugs listed don’t have as strong a role in precipitating this toxicity through potassium loss or direct interaction with digoxin.

More practice questions