When your doctor tells you to give a medicine called ' Digoxin ' as an injection for a certain heart condition, you may feel a little scared and nervous. That's very normal. But Digoxin is a very important medicine that helps the functioning of the heart a lot and has been used for a long time. So today, let's talk very simply to clear up all the questions you have about this medicine.
Why are we given this medicine Digoxin?
Simply put, this drug called digoxin is often used for two main reasons.
1. Heart Failure : Think of your heart as a pump that pumps blood throughout your body. Sometimes this pump becomes a little weak. This means that the heart is unable to pump blood as well as the body needs. Digoxin works by giving the weakened heart muscle a little strength and increasing its pumping action. It's like giving an energy drink to someone who is tired. This allows the heart to pump blood properly throughout the body.
2. Arrhythmia : Some people have a condition where their heart beats irregularly. A good example of this is a condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib) . This is when the heart starts beating very fast and irregularly due to a small problem in the heart's electrical signal system. Digoxin works by controlling these rapid, erratic electrical signals and bringing the heart rate back to a steady level.
In addition to these, digoxin can also be used for other heart conditions, at the doctor's discretion.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Digoxin is a drug that should be used with extreme caution, so it is extremely important to inform your medical team about the following:
| Situation to be reported | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Other heart disease or a recent heart attack | The dose and effectiveness of digoxin may vary. |
| Kidney disease | Digoxin is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. If the kidneys are weak, the drug can accumulate in the body and become toxic. |
| Liver disease | This medicine can also affect liver function. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies to digoxin or any other medicine or food. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the effects of the medication. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is important to be aware of whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk and its effects. |
How is this medicine given?
Digoxin is not something you can take home and give yourself. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or trained nurse, either as an injection into a vein or as an infusion through a saline solution. So there is no need to worry about your safety.
Warning: If you overdose! This is given in a hospital setting, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, immediately report it to the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Also, remember that this medicine is prescribed for you only. The dosage is determined based on many factors, such as your medical condition, body weight, and kidney function. Therefore , never share this medicine with anyone else.
Other drugs that may interact with digoxin
This is a very important part. Digoxin is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements .
Some medications that may interact with digoxin include:
- Tranquilizers such as Alprazolam
- Certain antibiotics – e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- Some medications for high blood pressure and other heart conditions
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. atorvastatin)
- Some medications for diabetes
- Antifungals – e.g. ketoconazole
- Some medications for gastritis – e.g. omeprazole , esomeprazole
- Painkillers (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and naproxen
- Traditional medicines like St. John's Wort
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor everything you're taking.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, digoxin can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. The most important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and to inform your medical team immediately if any problems arise.
| Type of side effect | Expected features |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Digoxin toxicity | This is very important. Dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred or yellow vision , extreme fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Very slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue. |
| Dizziness | Occasional dizziness. |
| Stomach ache | Slight stomach pain. |
| Breast growth | (For both men and women) Unexpected growth of breast tissue. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Digoxin is an important medication that helps with heart failure or irregular heartbeat (AFib).
- This vaccine is given in a hospital under the supervision of doctors and nurses, so there is no need to be afraid of it.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as vision changes (yellowing of the eyes), dizziness, or a significant change in your heart rate, notify your medical team immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
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