Digoxin

Generic Name: digoxin

Cardiac Glycoside [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Digoxin

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside extracted from Digitalis lanata leaves. It is used to treat heart failure and control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation.

Overview

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside extracted from Digitalis lanata leaves. It is used to treat heart failure and control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation.

Uses

Treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults, increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure, and controlling resting ventricular rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation in adults.

Dosage

Dose based on patient-specific factors including age, lean body weight, and renal function. Loading doses range from 10-15 mcg/kg for adults over 10 years, administered in divided doses. Maintenance dosing ranges 3.4-5.1 mcg/kg/day for adults with normal renal function.

Side Effects

Overall incidence 5-20%, with 15-20% serious. Cardiac toxicity accounts for approximately 50%, gastrointestinal 25%, CNS 25%. Common: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, visual changes, cardiac arrhythmias.

Interactions

Digoxin has narrow therapeutic index. P-glycoprotein inducers/inhibitors alter pharmacokinetics. Major interactions: amiodarone (70% increase), dronedarone (150% AUC increase), gentamicin (129-212% increase). Decreased concentrations with rifampin, St. John's Wort, phenytoin.

Warnings

Risk of ventricular fibrillation in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Severe sinus bradycardia or sinoatrial block possible. Digoxin toxicity indicated by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias. Avoid in myocarditis. Not recommended in acute myocardial infarction. Narrow therapeutic index requiring monitoring. Contraindicated in ventricular fibrillation and known hypersensitivity to digoxin or other digitalis preparations.

Pregnancy

No drug-associated risk of major birth defects identified from decades of experience. Digoxin crosses placenta. Monitor neonates for toxicity signs. Requirements may increase during pregnancy, decrease postpartum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Digoxin used for?

Treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults, increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure, and controlling resting ventricular rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation in adults.

What are the side effects of Digoxin?

Overall incidence 5-20%, with 15-20% serious. Cardiac toxicity accounts for approximately 50%, gastrointestinal 25%, CNS 25%. Common: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, visual changes, cardiac arrhythmias.

Can I take Digoxin during pregnancy?

No drug-associated risk of major birth defects identified from decades of experience. Digoxin crosses placenta. Monitor neonates for toxicity signs. Requirements may increase during pregnancy, decrease postpartum.

What are the important warnings for Digoxin?

Risk of ventricular fibrillation in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Severe sinus bradycardia or sinoatrial block possible. Digoxin toxicity indicated by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias. Avoid in myocarditis. Not recommended in acute myocardial infarction. Narrow therapeutic index requiring monitoring. Contraindicated in ventricular fibrillation and known hypersensitivity to digoxin or other digitalis preparations.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.