All of the following are adverse effects of Digoxin except
**Question:** All of the following are adverse effects of Digoxin except
A. Flushing
B. Increased appetite
C. Decreased gastrointestinal motility
D. Increased sweating
**Core Concept:**
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used for the management of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It works by increasing the contractility of cardiac muscle cells, thereby improving cardiac output. However, it has various side effects due to its pharmacological actions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The correct answer, **Decreased gastrointestinal motility (C)**, is not an adverse effect of digoxin because it primarily affects the cardiovascular system rather than the GI tract. Digoxin's primary action is on cardiac muscle cells, leading to improved contractility, and it does not directly influence GI motility.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Flushing (A) is a common side effect of digoxin due to its vasodilatory action, which can lead to an increase in blood flow to the skin and cause flushing.
B. Increased appetite (B) is an uncommon side effect, although it has been reported. Digoxin can affect the central nervous system indirectly, causing changes in appetite.
D. Increased sweating (D) is another side effect of digoxin due to its effect on the autonomic nervous system. Digoxin can increase the sensitivity of the sweat glands to stimulation, leading to increased sweating.
**Clinical Pearl:**
When prescribing digoxin, clinicians should be aware of the potential side effects and monitor patients for these effects during therapy. A comprehensive assessment of patients, including cardiovascular and neurological symptoms, is essential to ensure proper dosing and identify any adverse reactions.