The most common indications for digoxin are atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Digoxin is available in most countries by prescription only and is administered under close medical supervision. It comes in various pharmaceutical forms and is known by different trade names in different countries by manufacturer. Other indications for digoxin include arrhythmias of the heart.
The everyday motions of the heart combine a complex process involving muscles, nerves and electrical impulses, each intricately linked to each other. If any part of the process is interrupted or is not functioning properly, the results can be fatal. In the case of atrial fibrillation, one of the main indications for digoxin, the two upper chambers of the heart, the atria, begin to beat irregularly and faster than normal. This results in the chambers not emptying properly and the top chambers and bottom chambers of the heart become out of sync.
Some people with atrial fibrillation may experience no symptoms while others may feel pain. It may also increase the risk of stroke, cardiac or heart failure, another of the indications for digoxin. Heart failure refers to the left, right or both sides of the heart not being able to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs.
Digoxin works for both these indications because it helps the heart to pump by acting directly on the heart muscle. It slows the beat of the heart and increases the force with which it beats. The dose depends on the indications for digoxin and the prescribed dose should never be exceeded. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index which means that the dose will need to be carefully adjusted in each patient so that it is therapeutically active but doesn’t cause unwanted side effects.
As with any medication, adverse effects may occur, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and headache. Should any adverse effects be experienced, medical help should be sought as they may be an indication of toxic levels. All medicines should be locked away out of reach of children.
Regardless of what digoxin is being used to treat, it may be contraindicated in patients with some underlying conditions or other medications, including homeopathic, complementary and over-the-counter medications. These should be discussed with the prescribing doctor before starting treatment. Pregnancy, desired pregnancy and lactation should also be discussed.
