Digoxin is the drug used to treat several types of arrhythmias, one of which is atrial fibrillation (AF) andheart failure.This drug should not be used carelessly and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside drug that works by affecting several types of minerals that are important in the work of the heart, namely sodium and potassium. This method of action will help restore abnormal heart rhythms and strengthen the heartbeat.
Digoxin trademark: Digoxin, Fargoxin
What is Digoxin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antiarrhythmic |
| Benefit | Treat arrhythmias and heart failure |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Digoxin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Digoxin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Tablets and injections |
Precautions Before Using Digoxin
Digoxin should not be used carelessly. Some things to consider before using digoxin are:
- Do not use digoxin if you are allergic to this medicine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had lung or respiratory disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, or heart disease, such as myocarditis, Wolf parkinson white, coronary heart disease, acute heart failure, or bradycardia.
- Tell your doctor if you have an electrolyte imbalance, such as hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypomagnesaemia.
- Do not drive or operate equipment that requires alertness while taking digoxin, as this medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with digoxin.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Perform periodic checkups as recommended by your doctor while undergoing treatment with digoxin.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking digoxin before undergoing certain medical procedures or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using digoxin.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Digoxin
The dose of digoxin given will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. This drug can be given in tablet or injection form. The following is the distribution of digoxin doses based on the patient's age and condition:
Condition: Emergency treatment for heart failure
- Mature: if the patient has not received cardiac glycosides for 2 weeks, the dose is 0.5–1 mg over 10–20 minutes by IV infusion. Dosage may be divided by dose initially followed by remaining doses every 4–8 hours.
Condition: Heart failure or arrhythmia
- Mature: the initial dose is 0.75–1.5 mg given over 24 hours as a single dose, or in divided doses given every 6 hours. The maintenance dose is 0.125–0.25 mg per day.
- Infants weighing up to 1.5 kg: The initial dose is 25 mcg/kg body weight per day.
- Infants weighing 1.5–2.5 kg: The initial dose is 30 mcg/kg body weight per day.
- Infants weighing over 2.5 kg and toddlers aged 1–24 months: The initial dose is 45 mcg/kg body weight per day.
- Children aged 2–5 years: The initial dose is 35 mcg/kg body weight per day.
- Children aged 5–10 years: The initial dose is 25 mcg/kg body weight per day.
How to Use Digoxin Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions on the medicine package before starting to use digoxin tablets. Do not change the dose of digoxin, unless advised by your doctor.
Digoxin injection can only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
If you forget to take digoxin tablets, take them as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose of digoxin to make up for a missed dose.
Digoxin tablets can be taken with food. However, it is best to take this medication 2 hours before or after a meal if you eat a diet rich in fiber.
Do not stop taking digoxin without consulting your doctor first. During treatment with digoxin, your doctor will ask you to have regular check-ups. Follow the examination schedule given by the doctor, so that your condition can be monitored.
Store digoxin at room temperature. Protect this medication from exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Digoxin with Other Drugs
There are several effects of drug interactions that may occur if digoxin is used with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of side effects when used with squill or carvedilol
- Increased risk of developing hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia when used with diuretics, lithium, or corticosteroids
- Increased risk of worsening arrhythmic conditions when used with epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with atazanavir, calcium chloride, calcium gluceptate, ceretinib, cisatracurium, dolasetron, itraconazole, lapatinib, or saquinavir
- Increased blood levels of digoxin when used with amiodarone, clarithromycin, dronedarone, quinidine, ibuprofen, aspirin, or calcium antagonist drugs
- Increased risk of heart damage when used with arbutamine
Digoxin Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can arise after taking digoxin, including:
- Worried
- Throw up
- Confusion
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nauseous
- Dizzy
- Diarrhea
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Dizziness that is getting worse
- Faint
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden mood changes
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Enlarged breasts in men