Renal digoxin clearance: dependence on plasma digoxin and diuresis

Abstract

The renal handling of digoxin in animals involves glomerular filtration, tubular secretion and tubular reabsorption, while only glomerular filtration and tubular secretion have been described in humans. The influence of plasma digoxin and urine flow on the renal handling of digoxin was investigated in 6 healthy volunteers. Non-glomerular renal excretion of digoxin (tubular secretion minus tubular reabsorption) was inversely correlated with plasma digoxin concentration and directly with urine flow. Hence, the present study demonstrated the occurrence of tubular reabsorption in addition to glomerular filtration and tubular secretion of digoxin. The results suggest that renal clearance of digoxin should be increased by increased urine flow, which might be of importance during digoxin toxicity.