Digoxin

What is it?

Composition

The composition of the drug Digoxin includes the active substance digoxin, which is a cardiac glycoside. This component is extracted from the leaves of the foxglove plant and has powerful cardiotonic properties. In addition to the active substance, the drug may also contain excipients that help stabilize the form of the drug and improve its absorption in the body.

Main components:

• Digoxin is the main active substance responsible for the therapeutic effect.
• Excipients - depending on the form of release, may include lactose, corn starch, magnesium stearate and other components that improve the stability and digestibility of the drug.

How to use?

For the correct use of Digoxin, it is extremely important to follow the doctors instructions, as incorrect dosage can lead to serious consequences. The drug is usually taken once a day, preferably at the same time each day to maintain a stable level of the drug in the blood. It can be taken with or without food, but you should avoid taking the drug with foods rich in fiber, as this can slow down its absorption.

General recommendations for use:

1. Take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor, do not change the dose without consulting your doctor.
2. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
3. Regularly monitor the level of Digoxin in the blood, especially at the beginning of treatment, to avoid overdose.

How does it work?

Digoxin works by acting on the heart muscle and increasing the force of its contractions. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme sodium-potassium ATPase, which increases the intracellular calcium levels in the heart muscle cells. The increase in calcium increases the heart’s contraction, which is especially helpful in heart failure, where the heart has difficulty pumping blood effectively.

In addition to increasing contractions, Digoxin also slows the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular node, which helps control the heart rate, especially in atrial fibrillation. As a result, the heart rhythm becomes more stable and the symptoms of arrhythmia are reduced. This makes Digoxin effective in both improving heart function and controlling the heart rhythm.

Indications

Indications for use of Digoxin include various cardiovascular diseases that require strengthening of cardiac activity or control of heart rhythm. This drug is prescribed when other treatments have not been effective or are not possible.

Main indications:

• Chronic heart failure, especially when other drugs do not provide the desired effect.
• Atrial fibrillation - to control heart rate and stabilize heart rhythm.
• Atrial flutter - in combination therapy to improve cardiac function and reduce symptoms.
• Heart failure with low cardiac output - to increase the force of heart contractions and improve blood circulation.

Contraindications

Contraindications for the use of Digoxin are quite wide, and they must be taken into account when prescribing the drug. It is important that the drug is prescribed only after a thorough examination and consultation with a doctor, since improper use can lead to serious consequences.

Main contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to digoxin or any of the components of the drug.
• Uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmia, including ventricular fibrillation.
• Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy - in this disease, Digoxin can worsen the patients condition.
• Sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular block grade II or III (without a pacemaker).
• Acute phase of myocardial infarction - use of the drug during this period can increase the risk of complications.

Side effects

There are possible side effects when taking Digoxin that need to be taken into account, especially in case of long-term use or if you have other medical conditions. Some of them can be quite serious and require immediate medical attention. It is important to have regular check-ups and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.

The most common side effects are:

• Dizziness and weakness - may occur with overdose or at the beginning of treatment.
• Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite - the most common gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Irregular heartbeats - in some cases the drug can cause arrhythmia, especially if the dosage is incorrect.
• Visual disturbances - visual distortions such as blurred vision or the appearance of yellow halos are possible.
• Allergic reactions - rare but possible, include skin rash, itching or swelling.