DIGOXIN
Background and Date of Approval
The FDA approved Digoxin on September 30, 1997, for the treatment of heart failure.
Uses
Digoxin is used to treat arrhythmias and heart failure. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heartbeat, which causes the heart to skip a beat, beat irregularly or beat at the wrong speed. Heart failure is the heartâs inability to pump blood adequately to the body.
How is it administered?
Digoxin is available as injections, tablets, and syrups in the strength of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 60ml respectively. Your physician will decide the dosage of this injection based on the severity of your disease and other factors.
Side Effects
Digoxin, like many medications, can lead to side effects. It is important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects. Some common side effects associated with digoxin include allergic reactions of the skin, like rashes and urticaria, abnormal heartbeats, as well as symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dizziness and visual disturbances, such as blurred or yellow vision, are also reported side effects. You must be aware of these potential reactions while taking digoxin and consult a healthcare professional if you encounter any of these symptoms.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take digoxin if you have allergies to digoxin, other cardiac glycosides, or any of its components. Tell your doctor if you have recently suffered a heart attack or any severe heart condition, received any electric shock treatment to correct heartbeat, lung disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure(BP), vitamin B1 deficiency or malabsorption syndrome (cannot absorb minerals from food properly) before taking this medicine. Prior communication about your medical history and medications with your healthcare provider is crucial before initiating treatment.
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before the treatment. The effect of digoxin may be increased if you have severe lung diseases, leading to undesirable side effects. Hence, inform your physician of any lung diseases before taking the medicine. Digoxin can cause dizziness. Hence, do not drive or use heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. Consult your doctor for more advice. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while you are in treatment with digoxin, as it can cause dizziness and enhance the effect of alcohol.
Word of Advice
During treatment with digoxin, your doctor may require regular blood tests to monitor digoxin levels in your blood, particularly if you have kidney disorders. It is important to inform the healthcare provider conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG) about your digoxin intake, as it can influence the test results. Additionally, if you take digoxin alongside suxamethonium (used for muscle relaxation and short-term paralysis treatment), there is a higher risk of elevated potassium levels in your blood. Inform your doctor if you are receiving short-term paralysis treatment. While this medicine can generally be taken with or without food, avoid high-fibre foods as they can reduce the absorption of digoxin in your body. Awareness of these considerations and communicating them to your healthcare providers is essential for your safety and effective treatment.
References
Aspen Pharma, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2022] [Accessed on 5th Oct 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5461/pil#gref Concordia Pharmaceuticals, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Dec 2016] [Accessed on 5th Oct 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020405s013lbl.pdf Kd Tripathi, Essentials Of Medical Pharmacology, Cardiac Glycosides and Drugs for Heart Failure, 8th Edition, 2019, 556-566 Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis Of Therapeutics, Therapy Of Heart Failure, 13th Edition, 2018, 538-539
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop taking digoxin?
Only discontinue digoxin after consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping abruptly could worsen your condition.
Does digoxin interact with food?
Yes, avoiding high-fiber foods such as oatmeal, milk, and high-fiber cereals is crucial because they can reduce the absorption of digoxin in your body and lower the effect of this medication.
Can digoxin harm the kidneys?
Yes, digoxin can harm your kidneys, especially if you have kidney problems. If your kidney function worsens, there is a higher risk of digoxin-causing toxicity. This is especially true if you are undergoing dialysis, where changes in potassium levels can make things worse. It is important for you, especially if you have kidney issues, to be closely monitored when taking Digoxin to prevent complications.
When can I expect to feel better with digoxin?
Digoxin might take a few weeks to begin working, so you may not notice immediate changes. Remember, it's important not to abruptly stop taking Digoxin, as it could worsen your heart issues. If you experience any side effects or have concerns, discussing them with your doctor is best.
What is the most serious side effect of digoxin?
A very serious allergic reaction to digoxin is rare. However, get medical help promptly if you notice any serious allergic reaction, including rashes, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. These are not a complete list of possible side effects.