What is one of the negative effects of hypokalemia when taking digoxin?

Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, can lead to an increased risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which affects myocardial contractility and influences heart rate. In a potassium-deficient state, the therapeutic window of digoxin narrows significantly. The absence of adequate potassium allows digoxin to bind more freely to the ATPase pump, leading to excessive effects of the drug, including toxicity. This heightened sensitivity can result in serious complications, such as arrhythmias, which are a critical concern in patients receiving digoxin. Therefore, maintaining normal potassium levels is essential for safe digoxin therapy.