The most widely used of the digitalis drugs. It is used in the treatment of heart failure and certain types of arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation.
Blood tests may sometimes be needed to ensure the correct digoxin dose, especially in patients with kidney disease. An excessive dose may cause headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Digoxin occasionally disrupts the normal heartbeat, causing heart block.
One of a number of drugs known as CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES. They increase the contractility of heart muscle, depress the conducting tissue while increasing myocardial excitability, and increase activity of the VAGUS nerve. Digoxin is usually given orally for the treatment of atrial FIBRILLATION and heart failure. The adverse effects of overdosage (which occur more commonly in people with HYPOKALAEMIA, the elderly, and those with renal failure – see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF) are vomiting, DYSRHYTHMIA, muscle weakness, and visual disturbances. The ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG) has a characteristic appearance.
n. a cardiac glycoside – a drug extracted from *digitalis – that increases the force of heart muscle contraction and decreases heart rate. It is used mainly to control atrial fibrillation. Possible side-effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and abnormal heart activity.
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