Digoxin 125 mg is an indispensable medication that is usually prescribed to patients suffering from heart conditions such as congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called cardiac glucósides, which act by increasing the force of heart muscle contractions, helping to regulate heartbeat and improve cardiac function in general. Digoxin 125 mg is presented in the form of tablets and is usually administered orally. It is important to keep in mind that the dose and frequency of this medication can vary depending on the specific disease of the individual and the doctor’s instructions.
Important information:
- Posology: The recommended dose of digoxin 125 mg is determined by the body’s body weight, the renal function and the severity of their heart condition. It is crucial to strictly follow the prescribed dose and not exceed or skip any doses without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Side effects: Like any medication, Digoxin 125 mg can cause certain side effects. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headaches and vision changes. However, if there is a serious side effect, such as irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing or chest pain, immediate medical attention should be sought.
- Drug interactions: Digoxin 125 mg can interact with other medications, herbs or supplements, being able to cause adverse effects. It is vitally important to inform the prescribing doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements that are being taken to avoid any possible interaction with other medications.
Brand | Dose | Shape | Maker |
---|---|---|---|
Digoxin 125 mg | 125 mg | Compressed | Several manufacturers |
What is Digoxin?
Digoxin 125 mg is a specific concentration of this medication. It is presented in the form of tablets and is usually taken orally. The prescribed dose may vary depending on the state of health, weight and response to treatment. It is important to follow the instructions of the health professional and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Important information:
- Digoxin helps reinforce the contraction of heart muscle, thus improving its effectiveness.
- It acts by inhibiting the sodium-potassium enzyme atasa, which increases the force of heart contraction.
- This medication also helps regulate the rhythm of the heartbeat by slowing down electrical conduction in the heart.
- Regular monitoring of digoxin blood levels is necessary to ensure adequate dosage and avoid toxicity.
Digoxin is considered a vital medication in the treatment of heart-related conditions. It is often used in combination with other drugs to achieve optimal results. However, it is important to keep in mind that the individual response to digoxin may vary, so periodic reviews with a healthcare professional are necessary to monitor its effectiveness and avoid possible side effects.
How Does Digoxin Work?
One of the main mechanisms of action of digoxin is its ability to inhibit a membrane-bound enzyme called sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+-K+ ATPase), also known as the sodium pump. This enzyme plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane of cardiac muscle cells.
Inhibition of Na+-K+ ATPase by digoxin causes an increase in the intracellular concentration of sodium and a decrease in the intracellular concentration of potassium. This disrupts the normal sodium-potassium exchange, causing an increase in intracellular calcium concentration.
The increase in intracellular calcium activates the contractile proteins of cardiac muscle cells, which increases contractility (or positive inotropic effect). This increased contractility improves the efficiency of the heart’s pumping action, helping it pump a greater amount of blood with each heartbeat.
- This medication also has an effect on the electrical conduction system of the heart.
- Digoxin inhibits the activity of the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes, slowing electrical impulses and reducing heart rate.
- Additionally, it may exert a vagomimetic effect by increasing vagal activity, which further slows the heart rate.
Summary of the mechanism of action of digoxin |
---|
Digoxin inhibits Na+-K+ ATPase, resulting in increased intracellular sodium and calcium concentrations. |
The increase in intracellular calcium activates contractile proteins, improving myocardial contractility. |
Digoxin slows electrical impulses in the heart and reduces heart rate. |
It is essential to point out that digoxin requires careful monitoring and narrow individual degree to avoid toxicity, since its therapeutic range is relatively narrow. The periodic monitoring of blood levels and the evaluation of the clinical response are crucial to optimize its effectiveness and minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
A possible side effect of digoxin is an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia. It can manifest as fast or slow heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness or fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you immediately go to the doctor. Another possible side effect are gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms persist or get worse, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
- Irregular beats
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Note: It is essential that you inform your doctor of any pr e-existing disease that you suffer, especially heart, renal or thyroid disorders, as well as any medication or supplement you are taking. These factors can potentially interact with digoxin and require dose adjustments or additional control.
In addition, precautions must be taken to guarantee the safe use of digoxin. It is important to follow the prescribed dose and never exceed it without consulting the doctor. Regular control of blood levels may be necessary to ensure that the drug is within the therapeutic interval. Digoxin must be kept in a cool and dry place and beyond the reach of children.
- Follow the prescribed dose
- Avoid overcoming the recommended dose
- Regular blood control
- Keep in a fresh and dry place
- Keep out of the reach of children
In summary, although Digoxin 125 mg can be an effective medication for certain medical conditions, it is important to know the possible side effects and take the necessary precautions. Understanding the symptoms of irregular heartbeat and gastrointestinal alterations can help identify any adverse potential reaction. Following the prescribed dose, informing your doctor about any pr e-existing disease and taking the necessary precautions, a safe and beneficial experience with digoxin can be ensured.
Contraindications and Interactions
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to digoxin or any of its components
- Unusual ventricular arrhythmias
- Digitalic toxicity
- Complete cardiac block or sick breast syndrome (unless an artificial pacemaker has been placed)
- Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Consult a healthcare professional to learn about all contraindications before administering Digoxin 125 mg.
Interactions
Understanding the possible interactions of 125 mg digoxin with other medications is vital to avoid adverse effects and ensure the effectiveness of the medication. It is essential to inform health professionals about all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that are taking, whether they are prescribed or not.
Medicine | Interaction |
---|---|
Amiodarone | Increased risk of severe bradycardia and cardiac block |
Verapamil | Possibility of excessive bradycardia and cardiac block |
Quinidine | Increase in serum digoxin concentration that causes toxicity |
Furosemide | Increased risk of digoxin toxicity due to a decrease in potassium levels |
Note: The previous table only offers some examples of possible pharmacological interactions. Always consult a healthcare professional to get a complete list before starting or stop taking any medication along with Digoxin 125 mg.
Monitoring and Management of Digoxin Therapy
Monitoring of serum digoxin levels: The therapeutic range of digoxin is narrow, and both subterapeutic levels and supraterapeutics can have negative consequences. Therefore, it is essential to regularly control serum digoxin levels. This can be done through blood tests that measure the concentration of digoxin in the patient’s bloodstream. The recommended therapeutic interval for digoxin is usually between 0. 5 and 2 ng/ml.
- Control serum digoxin levels every 1-2 weeks initially, or if the patient’s clinical status changes.
- Once the desired therapeutic interval is reached and the patient remains stable, monitoring can be extended to every 1-3 months.
- Consider a more frequent monitoring in patients with renal failure or when changes in the patient’s clinical status are produced.
It is important to keep in mind that Digoxin has a long semivide, and it may take several weeks to reach a concentration in stationary state. Therefore, dose adjustments should be performed with caution and based on both serum digoxin levels and the patient’s clinical response.
It is crucial to closely monitor and control digoxin treatment to guarantee optimal results for the patient. The monitoring of serum digoxin levels is essential to maintain medication within the therapeutic interval, which is generally between 0. 5 and 2 ng/ml. Periodic monitoring should be performed, especially during dose adjustment or when the patient’s clinical status changes. Dose adjustments should be performed with caution, based on both serum digoxin levels and patient’s clinical response.
