Lanoxin, generically called digoxin or digitalis, is used to treat heart failure and irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Lanoxin initially affects the nervous system to decrease conduction of electrical impulses in the heart thereby strengthening the contraction of each heart beat. The stronger and slower contractions regulate heart rhythm and improve circulation. Low potassium levels can hamper the desired effects of digoxin and can lead to serious side effects and toxicity.
Function
Digoxin, derived from the Digitalis lanata plant, affects the upper chambers of your heart called the atria. Useful in treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter, it is also beneficial in strengthening a weakened heart with congestive heart failure and treating heart pain called angina. Dosages are altered for conditions such as kidney disease and thyroid disorders but digoxin is ineffective for lower heart chamber irregularities such as ventricular fibrillation.
Hypokalemia
Potassium, necessary for muscle contractions and nerve impulse conduction, is found primarily in muscle cells including the heart. Low potassium, or hypokalemia, occurs most often as a result of diuretics, laxatives and gastrointestinal losses from vomiting and diarrhea. Digoxin relies on normal levels of potassium to get nerve impulses that cause muscle contraction in the heart. Even small potassium losses can cause abnormalities in impulse conduction, affecting the heart and creating toxic levels of digoxin.
Toxicity
The side effects of digoxin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and blurred or yellowed vision. These effects are also the initial symptoms of digoxin toxicity and require reporting to your physician. Toxic effects can be life-threatening and need immediate medical attention. Symptoms include dramatic slowing of the heart rate, a fast heart rate, irregular heart rate, bloody or black, tarry stools, confusion and hallucinations. Toxicity exacerbates heart failure and causes a rapid fall in blood pressure.
Considerations
Administering digoxin requires monitoring your pulse rate for one full minute before taking. Follow your physician instructions. Maintain a diet of potassium-rich foods, take supplements if ordered by your physician and drink adequate fluids as dehydration can cause toxicity. Your digoxin level and potassium levels should be monitored periodically to prevent toxicity and treat deficits.
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