Digoxin belongs to a class of cardiovascular drugs known as cardiac glycosides. According to Drugs.com, a drug information website that provides peer-reviewed information to consumers, digoxin is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. Digoxin is also used to treat angina and can be used after a heart attack. Digoxin has several potential side effects.
Therapeutic Effects
According to Drugs.com, digoxin increases the force in which the heart muscle contracts, enabling ventricles to pump blood to the body more efficiently. Symptoms of heart failure are reduced when the heart is able to pump blood to the whole body. Digoxin also slows and controls heart rate in patients with abnormal arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
Cardiovascular Effects
According to FamilyDoctor.org, digoxin can cause any type or arrhythmia or abnormal heart beat. Other common side effects of digoxin include palpitations, slowed heart rate and irregular heart beat. Patients with ventricular fibrillation, heart block and ventricular tachycardia arrhythmias should avoid digoxin because it could cause death.
Gastrointestinal Effects
According to FamilyDoctor.org, the first signs of digoxin toxicity in adults are gastrointestinal disturbances. Patients can experience anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Nervous System Effects
According to Drugs.com, digoxin affects the nervous system, often causing headache, fatigue, malaise, confusion, convulsions, irritability, muscle weakness and fainting.
Visual Problems
Digoxin can affect the vision and can cause blurred vision, double vision, yellow-green vision, seeing halos around objects, flickering lights and color perception changes, according to Drugs.com.
Hypersensitivity
Some patients might experience allergic reactions after taking digoxin. Symptoms of allergic reaction include difficulties breathing, rash, hives, itching, chest tightness, and swelling of the mouth, face and tongue. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience allergic reactions after taking digoxin.
