What is an early sign of digitalis toxicity?

The early sign of digitalis toxicity most commonly associated with the medication is vomiting. This symptom arises because digitalis increases vagal tone, which can stimulate the gastrointestinal system and lead to nausea and vomiting.

In the context of digitalis, recognizing early signs of toxicity is crucial, as they can help practitioners intervene before more serious complications arise, such as cardiac arrhythmias or severe gastrointestinal distress. While dizziness and fainting may occur due to other reasons or more advanced toxicity, vomiting is often one of the first physical signs that alert healthcare providers to the potential for digitalis toxicity.

Skin rash and headache are less commonly recognized as early indicators of toxicity with this medication. A headache, for example, may result from numerous non-specific causes and does not directly indicate digitalis toxicity. Therefore, vomiting stands out as a pivotal early symptom in the context of monitoring and managing patients on digitalis therapy.