Digitalis toxicity can occur from a single exposure, chronic over-medication, or can be precipitated with normal or therapeutic blood levels of digitalis if other risks are present. Risks include taking digitalis medications such as digoxin or digitoxin, particularly if also taking medications that interact with digitalis such as quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone, and others.
Many diuretics can cause potassium loss.
Low levels of potassium in the body increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. Digitalis toxicity can also be precipitated by low levels of magnesium in the body. Reduced kidney function will cause digitalis to accumulate in the body rather than being disposed of normally through the urine. Digitalis levels should be monitored regularly when on digitalis medications. Blood chemistries should also be monitored to detect conditions that make digitalis toxicity more common.