Digoxin Indication.
For the treatment and management of congestive cardiac insufficiency, arrhythmias and heart failure.
Digoxin Contraindications.
Digitalis glycosides are contraindicated in patients with ventricular fibrillation or in patients with a known hypersensitivity to digoxin. A hypersensitivity reaction to other digitalis preparations usually constitutes a contraindication to digoxin.
Digoxin Prescription.
Digoxin is prescribed to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps the heart work better and it helps control your heart rate.
A cardiotonic glycoside obtained mainly from Digitalis lanata; it consists of three sugars and the aglycone digoxigenin. Digoxin has positive inotropic and negative chronotropic activity. It is used to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and in the management of congestive heart failure with atrial fibrillation. Its use in congestive heart failure and sinus rhythm is less certain. The margin between toxic and therapeutic doses is small. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p666)
How should Digoxin be used?
Digoxin comes as a tablet, capsule, or pediatric elixir (liquid) to take by mouth. Digoxin is usually taken once a day. The pediatric elixir comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. If you have difficulty, ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it. It is important that you always take the same brand of digoxin. Different brands of digoxin have different amounts of active drug and your dose would need to be changed.
Digoxin helps control your condition but will not cure it.
Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside similar to digitoxin, is used to treat congestive heart failure and supraventricular arrhythmias due to reentry mechanisms, and to control ventricular rate in the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation.
Digoxin side effects.
- diarrhea;
- difficulty breathing;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- drowsiness;
- irregular heartbeat;
- loss of appetite;
- rash;
- swelling of the feet or hands;
- unusual weight gain;
- upset stomach;
- vision changes (blurred or yellow);
- vomiting;
