Digitoxin
Instructions for use:
- 1. Composition and form of release
- 2. Pharmacological action
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Methods of administration and dosage
- 5. Contraindications
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Interaction with medicinal products
Digitoxin is a low-polarity cardiac glycoside derived from various types of digitalis.
Composition and form of release
It is produced in the form of suppositories of 0.15 mg for local use and in the form of tablets of 0.1 mg for internal use.
The active ingredient is digitoxin.
Dispensing conditions of Digitoxin - by prescription.
pharmachologic effect
It has a pronounced cardiotonic effect (increases the strength of heart contractions), slows down the heart rate. It has strong cumulative properties and is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
The drug takes effect 2-4 hours after administration. Accumulates in the body.
Indications for the use of Digitoxin
According to the instructions, Digitoxin tablets are prescribed for:
- severe and moderate form of heart failure, in particular, with low cardiac output with a normal sinus rhythm and the presence of a gallop rhythm, with dilatation of the ventricles;
- chronic heart failure with a tachysystolic form of atrial fibrillation;
- in order to reduce heart rate in sinus tachycardia due to acute heart failure, paroxysm;
- paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias (atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia).
Prescription Digitoxin suppositories are used in ophthalmology for:
- asthenopia (you should exclude the possibility of incorrect selection of glasses and organic damage to the eyes);
- eye fatigue with impaired blood circulation, increased visual stress, pain in the eyes, the occurrence of migraine attacks, with incipient presbyopia.
Administration and dosage
The dosage is selected individually by the attending physician, depending on the treatment regimen and indications.
The dosage of prescription Digitoxin tablets for adults in the first days is 6-12 tablets per day in four doses every six hours. After achieving a therapeutic effect, the dosage is reduced to 1 tablet once or twice a day.
Patients with digestive disorders or stagnation in the portal vein system are prescribed Digitoxin suppositories according to the instructions. The drug is injected into the rectum 1 or 2 suppositories twice a day for the first few days, after which the dosage is reduced to 1 suppository once or twice a day.
Contraindications
Digitoxin tablets and suppositories are contraindicated according to the instructions for:
- hypersensitivity to the drug;
- impaired liver function;
- glycosidic intoxication
Prescription Digitoxin tablets are prohibited for:
- AV blockade of I and II degrees;
- severe bradycardia;
- acute myocardial infarction;
- isolated mitral stenosis;
- cardiac tamponade;
- ventricular tachycardia;
- extrasystoles;
- WPW syndrome;
- unstable angina.
Side effects
The use of Digitoxin according to the instructions can cause the following side effects:
- Cardiovascular system: heart rhythm disturbances, AV block, bradycardia;
- Central nervous system: euphoria, increased fatigue, depression, syncope, delirious state, sleep disturbance, dizziness, headache, confusion;
- Digestive system: diarrhea, nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting;
- Hematopoietic system: thrombosis of mesenteric vessels;
- Organs of vision: flies before the eyes, decreased visual acuity, xanthopsia, scotomas;
- Reproductive system: Gynecomastia may develop with prolonged treatment.
Interaction of Digitoxin with drugs
Prescription use of Digitoxin in combination with magnesium- and aluminum-containing antacids causes a slight decrease in its absorption.
The simultaneous use of Digitoxin according to the instructions with GCS is fraught with the development of glycosidic intoxication.
In combination with azithromycin, a significant increase in the concentration of the active substance in the blood is observed, which leads to the development of glycosidic intoxication.
Concomitant use of prescription digoxin with amiglutethimide, amiodarone and amphotericin B can cause glycosidic intoxication.
The simultaneous administration of the drug with barbiturates causes an acceleration of the metabolism of digitoxin and its conversion into digoxin.
The combination of digitoxin with diltiazem and verapamil causes an increase in the concentration of the active substance in the blood.
In combination with dosipyramide, severe arrhythmias may develop.
Simultaneous use with phenylbutazone, rifampicin, phenytoin, spironolactone reduces the concentration of the active substance in the blood plasma.
It is not recommended to combine the drug with carbenoxolone, as this causes a decrease in serum potassium, retains fluid in the body and increases blood pressure.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
