Digoxin

Digo x in is a drug to treat heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), for example atrial fibration (AF). In addition, this drug can also be used to treat heart failure. Digoxin is available in tablet and injection forms.

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside drug that works by affecting several types of minerals, namely sodium and potassium in heart cells. This way of working will reduce the heart's workload, help return the heart rhythm to normal and stable, and strengthen the heartbeat.

Digoxin trademarks : Digoxin, Fargoxin .

What is Digoxin

Warning Before Using Digoxin

Digoxin is a prescription drug that should not be used carelessly. There are several things that need to be considered before undergoing treatment with digoxin, namely:

• Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Digoxin should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Do not immediately do activities that require alertness, such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery after using digoxin, if this drug causes dizziness and blurred vision for you.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had ventricular fibrillation , cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloidosis , pericarditis , arrhythmias due to certain heart medications, or atrioventricular block, especially if you have a history of Stokes-Adams syndrome.
• Consult a doctor about the use of digoxin in the elderly and children to avoid the risk of serious side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are having a heart attack , sick sinus syndrome , myocarditis , kidney disease, thyroid disease , respiratory problems, vascular disorders, or malabsorption syndrome .
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had an electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, or hypomagnesemia.
• Tell your doctor that you are using digoxin before having surgery or certain medical procedures, including cardiac procedures.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with digoxin, because it can increase the risk of side effects.
• Drink enough water and avoid dehydration during treatment with digoxin to prevent the risk of side effects.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after using digoxin.

Dosage and Rules for Use Digo x in

The dose of digoxin will be given by the doctor according to the patient's age and kidney condition. Under certain conditions, the doctor will determine the dose of digoxin for children based on the patient's weight (BB). This drug can be given in tablet or injection form.

The following is the distribution of digoxin doses based on the form of the drug and the patient's condition:

Tablet form

Condition: Heart failure or supraventricular tachycardia

• Adult: initial dose is 750–1,500 mcg (0.75–1.5 mg) given in the first 24 hours as a single dose. The initial dose can be given in divided doses every 6 hours if the condition is not too dangerous. The dose in patients with mild heart failure is 250–750 mcg (0.25–0.75 mg) daily for 1 week. The usual maintenance dose is 0.125–0.25 mg per day.
• Premature infants <1.5 kg: initial dose is 25 mcg/kg per day.
• Premature babies with a weight of 1.5–2.5 kg: the initial dose is 30 mcg/kg per day.
• Infants 0–24 months: the initial dose is 45 mcg/kg per day.
• Children >2–5 years: the initial dose is 35 mcg/kg per day.
• Children >5–10 years: initial dose is 25 mcg/kg per day.

The initial dose in premature infants and children is given gradually. The first administration is half of the initial dose and is given in one dose. Next, the remaining dose is further divided into multiple doses and given every 4–8 hours.

Syringe form

Digoxin injectable form is given for emergency management of heart failure. The dose given to each patient can be different, depending on the age and weight of the patient. Injectable digoxin is given through an IV.

How to Use Digo x in Correctly

Injectable Digoxin will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

If you are prescribed digoxin tablets, follow your doctor 's advice and read the information on the drug packaging before starting to take them. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor first.

Digoxin tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet with plain water.

If you forget to take digoxin tablets, consume them immediately if you haven't approached the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose on the next scheduled consumption.

Follow the control schedule that has been given by the doctor. While on treatment with digoxin, you may be asked to have a complete blood count, or kidney function test, regularly performed.

If possible, check your blood pressure and pulse daily using a blood pressure monitor at home while taking digoxin. Consult a doctor if your pulse or blood pressure is too low.

Store digoxin in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Digo x in with other drugs

There are several interactions that can occur if digoxin is used with certain drugs, including:

• Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances when used with beta blockers , muscle relaxants , or rapid calcium injections
• Increased risk of side effects from digoxin if used concomitantly with drugs that can induce hypokalemia (eg lithium ), corticosteroids , or diuretics
• Increased risk of worsening arrhythmias and hypokalemia when used with epinephrine , norepinephrine, or dopamine
• Increased levels and side effects of digoxin when used with antihypertensive drugs , antibiotics, NSAIDs , antiarrhythmics, antivirals, tolvaptan , itraconazole , quinine, alprazolam , ciclosporin, atorvastatin , ranolazine , lapatinib, or ticagrelor
• Decreased levels and effectiveness of digoxin when used with antacids , bulk laxatives , and kaolin pectin
• Decreased levels and effectiveness of digoxin when used with certain antibiotics, such as neomycin and rifampicin
• Decreased levels and effectiveness of digoxin when used with metoclopramide, acarbose , cholestyramine, penicillamine, salbutamol , bupropion, or phenytoin

In addition, a decrease in the levels and effectiveness of digoxin can occur if this drug is taken with the herbal St. John's wort .

Side Effects and Dangers of Digo x in

Side effects that may arise after using digoxin are:

• Vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Nauseous
• Headache
• The body feels weak or dizzy
• Diarrhea
• Worried
• Depression

Consult a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug, or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Stomach ache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizzy like I'm about to faint
• Stools that are bloody or black in color and have a thick texture
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Pain or swelling in the breast
• Enlarged breasts in men ( gynecomastia )
• Blurred vision or yellowing vision
• Sudden mood swings

In infants and children, digoxin can cause serious side effects including stomach upset, weight loss, slowed height gain, and behavioral changes. Immediately consult a pediatrician if these side effects occur in your child.