Digoxin
Information about Digoxin
Digoxin uses
Digoxin is used in the treatment of heart failure and arrhythmias.
How digoxin works
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside. It works by correcting irregular heartbeat to a normal rhythm and increases the force with which the heart muscle contracts with every heartbeat. This makes the heart pump more efficiently and increases blood circulation throughout the body.
Common side effects of digoxin
Skin rash, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Irregular heart beat, Visual disturbance
Available Medicine for Digoxin
Expert advice for Digoxin
- Your doctor has prescribed Digoxin to decrease the heart rate and treat heart failure symptoms.
- Take Digoxin at the same time every day.
- Notify your doctor about other medicines you're taking to avoid drug interactions.
- Symptoms of overdose include slow heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness and breathing problems.
- Overdose may occur more quickly if you are dehydrated. Hence, drink plenty of water while taking this medication.
- Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor even if you feel better. Stopping abruptly could worsen your condition.
- Headache, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness may occur as side effects.
Frequently asked questions for Digoxin
Digoxin
Q. Is digoxin and digitalis the same drug?
Digoxin and digitalis are the same drugs. Always consult your doctor regarding its use.
Q. Is digoxin a beta blocker/diuretic/potassium sparing/vasodilator/potassium wasting/blood thinner/ACE inhibitor/anticoagulant?
Digoxin is not beta blocker/diuretic/potassium sparing/vasodilator/potassium wasting/blood thinner/ACE inhibitor/anticoagulant. It belongs to a group of medicines called ‘cardiac glycosides'. Digoxin has side effect such as decreasing the potassium level, but it does not increase potassium excretion in the urine
Q. Is digoxin nephrotoxic?
Digoxin is not nephrotoxic, it has no known toxic effect on the kidney.
Q. Is digoxin still used?
Yes, digoxin is still used. It used to treat certain cardiac problems such as heart failure and arrhythmias.