Why is Monitoring Free Digoxin Concentration Important?
Monitoring the free digoxin concentration is crucial because it is the unbound fraction of the drug that exerts pharmacological and toxicological effects. Unlike total digoxin concentration, which includes both bound and unbound forms, free digoxin concentration provides a more accurate measure of the drug's activity within the body. This is particularly important in situations where protein binding is altered, such as in patients with renal impairment or those taking certain medications that can displace digoxin from its binding sites.