1. A Cardiotonic Derived From a Plant
Digoxin is a cadriotonic obtained from the leaves of the Digitalis ianata plant. It has a rapid reaction and elimination time, and it works by increasing the strength of the heart's contractions and slowing electrical conduction between the ventricles. In doing so, it reduces the workload of the heart, slows it down and makes each contraction more efficient. This medication is useful for the treatment of congestive heart failure and the arrhythmias, rapid atrial fibrillation and flutter. Your doctor will schedule blood tests periodically to check for therapeutic levels of digoxin, as well as blood tests to check potassium levels and kidney function.
2. A Digoxin a Day
Take your medication the same time every day and follow the instructions exactly as prescribed. It may be several weeks before you build up a therapeutic dose and begin to feel better. If you miss taking your medication, take it as soon as you remember within 12 hours of the scheduled dose, otherwise skip the dose and start back on time the following day. If for some reason you skip more than one dose, notify your doctor. He may want to check your levels before you start back. You should also inform your doctor of all medications you're taking, including over the counter medications and all natural and herbal remedies. Some medications and high fiber foods can interfere with absorption of digoxin, leaving you with non-therapeutic levels; therefore, he may advise that you take your digoxin on an empty stomach and allow at least 2 hours between taking it and other medications to prevent possible interactions.
3. Too Much of a Good Thing
Digoxin acts on the movement of sodium, potassium and calcium in the heart cells to strengthen the hearts contractions and on the central nervous system to enhance vagal tone, which slows the conduction time of the heart. Too much of a good thing can cause your heart rate to drop too low, so it's very important to know how to check your pulse. You should check your pulse before taking a dose, especially when you first begin using digoxin. Notify your doctor if it falls below 60 or gets higher than 110 beats per minute. If your heart rate falls below 60, she may withhold your medication until a blood level is drawn. If it isn't controlling your heart rate, you may require a higher dose. Other adverse reactions you should report immediately when taking digoxin are vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, fainting, severe abdominal pain, palpitations or an extremely slow or irregular heartbeat, which may be symptoms of an overdose. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, visit your local emergency room or call the poison control center immediately.
