Digoxin

Dosage Forms Available

• Digoxin can be taken orally (tablet and solution) and intravenously (injection).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Digoxin is meant for adults, including elderly patients, and children.

Contraindications

• Digoxin is contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to digoxin or other cardiac glycosides.

• It should not be used by those with ventricular fibrillation or certain severe heart conduction disorders such as second or third-degree AV block.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This medicine can interact with antiarrhythmic medicines (like amiodarone, and verapamil), antibiotics (such as erythromycin, and tetracycline), and diuretics (like furosemide).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Digoxin may cause severe nausea, vomiting, vision disturbances, very slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion and fainting. Any suspected overdose requires immediate medical attention.

• If you forget to take a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not double the dose if it is close to your next scheduled dose.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water can help manage gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

• Resting and avoiding sudden changes in position can help manage dizziness and fatigue.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Digoxin may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery as it can cause dizziness or vision disturbances. Avoid such activities if you experience these side effects.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Digoxin crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. Therefore, it must be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if the doctor considers the benefits to outweigh the risks.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with certain heart conditions (sinus node disease, accessory AV pathway, AV block) should exercise caution when taking Digoxin as they may be more prone to side effects like arrhythmias.

• Patients with electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, magnesium or calcium) or thyroid disorders need careful monitoring as these conditions can affect Digoxin levels.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regular check-ups to monitor Digoxin levels and kidney function can help ensure safe use of this medicine.

• Patients should also learn to check their pulse regularly and inform their doctor if it is very slow or irregular.