Which product is the antidote for digitalis toxicity?
Explanation & Rationale
A) Gamma globulin Gamma globulin is a blood product used to provide passive immunity by supplying antibodies to prevent or treat certain infections. It is not used for digitalis toxicity, so A is incorrect. B) Cardizem Cardizem (diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker primarily used for controlling heart rate and treating conditions such as atrial fibrillation or angina. It is not used as an antidote for digoxin toxicity, so B is incorrect. C) Protamine Protamine is a medication used to reverse the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant. It works by neutralizing the anticoagulant activity of heparin, but it is not used to treat digitalis (digoxin) toxicity, so C is incorrect. D) Digoxin immune fab Digoxin immune fab is the specific antidote for digoxin toxicity. It consists of antibodies that bind to digoxin molecules, thereby neutralizing their toxic effects on the heart. This antidote is used when a patient exhibits severe symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as arrhythmias or life-threatening effects on the heart. Therefore, D is the correct answer.