Digoxin, or Lanoxin, is a form of digitalis, a drug that is extracted from the leaves of the foxglove plant. Digoxin belongs to a group of medications known as cardiac glycosides. According to Drugs.com, digoxin is used to treat mild to moderate heart failure and abnormal heart arrhythmias known as arrhythmias. Digoxin affects patients suffering from thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
According to Merck.com, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is less active. Thyroid is an endocrine organ that produces hormones necessary for metabolism processes in the body. Patients with hypothyroidism tend to respond more to digoxin. Such patients require less digoxin to avoid digoxin toxicity. Initial therapy should be initiated using lower digoxin dosages, and the dose should be increased gradually based on the patients' response to the drug.
Hyperthyroidism
Merck.com states that hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is too active leading to increased levels of thyroid hormone. Patients with hyperthyroidism are less responsive to digoxin. Increased levels of thyroid hormone in the body may warrant an increase in the dose of digoxin. Patients may develop digoxin toxicity if dosage is increased.
Warning
According to Drugs.com, patients who suddenly show signs of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia should have their thyroid function checked .Patients taking digoxin should also have their serum digoxin levels monitored regularly. Digoxin dosage should be adjusted based on the patients response to the drug.
