Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (9): 1059-1061.
DOI: 10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250609

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One case of chorea caused by digoxin tablets

Wang Kun1,2, Xu Lei2, Wang Cen1,2, Hou Wenping3, Liu Junbao2#, Su Changhai1,2,*   

  1. 1School of Pharmacy,Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou Inner Mongolia 014040, China;
    2Department of Pharmacy, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos Inner Mongolia 017000, China;
    3Department of Pharmacy, Chenzhou Fourth People's Hospital, Chenzhou Hunan 423000, China
  • Received:2025-08-29 Online:2026-09-15 Published:2026-09-15

Abstract: Objective To investigate one case of chorea induced by digoxin toxicity in order to provide a reference for safe and rational medication. Methods A patient with stage 5 chronic kidney disease undergoing long-term haemodialysis developed chorea following digoxin administration for recurrent heart failure after coronary stent implantation. Related literature was collected and the association between chorea and digoxin as well as its potential mechanisms were studied. Results The plasma concentration of digoxin was found to be 4.1 ng·mL-1. Based on the Naranjo's Causality Index, digoxin-induced chorea was considered probable. Discontinuation of digoxin and administration of diazepam for sedation resulted in the absence of subsequent adverse reactions. Conclusion Risk factors for digoxin-induced chorea primarily stem from digoxin accumulation and toxicity. Early detection of digoxin toxicity is crucial in clinical practice. Particular attention should be paid to dosage adjustment and regular monitoring of serum concentrations in patients with renal impairment, those concurrently taking drugs interacting with digoxin, and special populations to ensure safe and rational clinical use.

Key words: Digoxin, Chorea, Poisoning, Renal Impairment, Coronary Stent Implantation, Heart Failure, Adverse Drug Reaction

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