Monitoring digoxin therapy: II. Determinants of the apparent volume of distribution

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1977 Apr;4(2):223-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1977.tb00698.x.

Abstract

1 In eighteen subjects receiving digoxin therapy the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of the drug has been calculated. 2 For each subject the sensitivity of the 86Rb transport mechanism of his pre-treatment erythrocytes to in vitro inhibition by digoxin has been measured (IC50). 3 The Vd of digoxin correlates both with the age of the patients and with the IC50 of their pre-treatment erythrocytes. 4 The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the possible determinants of the Vd of digoxin. 5 Digoxin requirements may be predictable before therapy commences if IC50 measurements are performed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Digoxin / metabolism*
  • Digoxin / pharmacology
  • Digoxin / therapeutic use
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological
  • Radioisotopes
  • Regression Analysis
  • Rubidium / blood

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Digoxin
  • Rubidium