Digitalis Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Are you on digitalis medication for a heart condition? The plant extract can strengthen the heart beat. But, did you know that too much digitalis in the body is toxic? There are side effects to this medicine that you absolutely need to be aware of. Do read this post and find out what they are.

Digitalis Treatment:

Digitalis, also called Foxglove, is a poisonous plant. Chemicals extracted from this plant are used in the preparation of a prescription medicine named digoxin (1). The medication is prescribed for

• Arrhythmias or irregular heart beat
• Congestive heart failure
• Headache
• Epilepsy
• Spasms
• Asthma
• Tuberculosis

Digoxin can change the heart rate and strengthen the heartbeat. It slows down an irregular heart rhythm, normalizing the pulse.

Digitalis Side Effects:

The side effects of digitalis are mainly classified into two categories, which include the following:

Common Side Effects:

Digitalis should not be taken without medical supervision. Certain people are particularly sensitive to its toxicity. Those who took digoxin for heart conditions commonly experienced side effects such as,

1. Dizziness or weakness
2. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
3. Anxiety, headache
4. Mild skin rashes
5. Blurred vision
6. Slow pulse
7. Muscle tremors
8. Pounding or abnormal heartbeats
9. Confusion

Serious Side Effects:

If an individual taking digoxin notices the following serious side effects, emergency help is required.

1. Uneven (fast and slow) heart rate
2. Severe dizziness with breathing trouble
3. Blurred and yellowed vision
4. Black or bloody, tarry stools
5. Bloody vomit, bleeding gums
6. Hallucination and unusual behaviour

Special Precautions:

1. Digitalis is unsafe to use as self-medication.
2. Though it does help control irregular heart rhythms, unmonitored use can lead to heart problems.
3. People with kidney conditions will not clear the medicine from their system properly, leading to digoxin buildup and consequent toxicity.
4. Pregnant and nursing mothers are advised not to take digitalis due to the lack of insufficient evidence on its effects on the infant.
5. Those with low potassium levels are at an increased risk of digitalis toxicity as it promotes water expulsion. As a diuretic, digoxin causes potassium loss (2).
6. People with low magnesium levels are also at toxicity risk.
7. Taking tetracycline antibiotics with digoxin raises the chances of side effects from the drug.
8. Digitalis interacts with other heart medications like quinine.

Many factors play a role in deciding the amount of digoxin that is safe for an individual. These amounts must stay within that range to prevent toxicity.

Do Not Take Digitalis If:

Certain people are strictly advised to stay away from digitalis. These include people with,

• Heart conditions other than arrhythmias like heart failure
• Infections surrounding the heart muscle
• Heartbeat that is too slow
• Breathing problems
• Thyroid or kidney problems
• Hypoxia or low oxygen concentration in the blood
• High calcium levels or low magnesium levels
• Low potassium levels combined with low calcium levels
• History of allergies
• Taking alternative medication like herbal treatments

Digoxin In Children And Elderly:

Digoxin levels must be monitored carefully in any individual. In the elderly, regular monitoring is doubly necessary as kidney function slows down with age. Digoxin needs to be systematically removed to prevent high concentrations in the body. It is safe in the elderly if the dosage is kept below 0.125mg per day. First signs of digoxin toxicity in the elderly are confusion, delirium, and weakness.

The use of digoxin as a treatment method for heart failure in children is under debate (3). The medicine has several contraindications, besides a narrow therapeutic index. Dose reduction is suggested.

This is all about digitalis side effects. Lastly, anyone who is prescribed digitalis are advised to take it exactly as the doctor ordered it. If you think this post on digitalis effects was helpful, please share your thoughts and comments in the space provided below.