Digoxin

Digoxin 0.25mg
Product namePer PillSavingsPer PackOrder
60 pills$0.48$28.83ADD TO CART
90 pills$0.42$5.02$43.25 $38.23ADD TO CART
120 pills$0.40$10.03$57.66 $47.63ADD TO CART
180 pills$0.37$20.06$86.48 $66.42ADD TO CART
270 pills$0.35$35.11$129.73 $94.62ADD TO CART
360 pills$0.34$50.16$172.97 $122.81ADD TO CART

Digoxin 0.25 mg - Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Digoxin 0.25 mg is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. It belongs to a class of drugs called cardiac glycosides, which work by slowing the heart rate and increasing the strength of the heart muscle contractions. Digoxin 0.25 mg tablets are available in various strengths, including 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, and 0.5 mg.

Uses of Digoxin 0.25 mg Digoxin 0.25 mg is primarily used for treating the following conditions:

  1. Heart failure: Digoxin helps improve the efficiency of the heart in pumping blood and can reduce symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and feet.
  2. Atrial fibrillation: Digoxin is used to control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats.
  3. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: Digoxin is sometimes used to treat paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, a condition where the heart suddenly beats too quickly.

Benefits of Digoxin 0.25 mg Digoxin 0.25 mg offers several benefits, including:

  1. Improved heart function: Digoxin helps the heart pump more efficiently, leading to improved heart function and reduced symptoms of heart failure.
  2. Reduced hospitalization: Studies have shown that digoxin can decrease the need for hospitalization in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
  3. Enhanced quality of life: By controlling heart rate and improving heart function, digoxin can improve the quality of life for patients with heart conditions.

Side Effects of Digoxin 0.25 mg Like any medication, digoxin 0.25 mg can cause side effects, both common and rare. Some of the common side effects include:

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Dizziness or lightheadedness
  3. Headache
  4. Blurred vision
  5. Diarrhea
  6. Abnormal heart rhythms

Rare but serious side effects of digoxin 0.25 mg include:

  1. Ventricular fibrillation (life-threatening irregular heart rhythm)
  2. Visual disturbances (double vision, changes in color vision)
  3. Skin rash
  4. Hives
  5. Itching
  6. Stomach pain
  7. Mental confusion
  8. Weakness or fatigue

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if any of these side effects occur or if you experience any other unusual symptoms while taking digoxin 0.25 mg.

Dosage of Digoxin 0.25 mg The dosage of digoxin 0.25 mg varies depending on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition. The usual starting dose for adults is 0.25 mg (1/4 of a 1 mg tablet) daily or every other day. The maintenance dose is typically 0.25 mg daily. However, the dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response and blood levels.

In children, the dosage is determined by the child's age and weight. Generally, for children over 10 years old, the starting dose is 0.25 mg to 0.35 mg per day. For children under 10 years old, the starting dose is 0.05 mg to 0.35 mg per day.

It is crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional and not to take more or less digoxin than prescribed.

Contraindications and Warnings Digoxin 0.25 mg is contraindicated in certain situations:

  1. Ventricular fibrillation: Digoxin should not be used to treat ventricular fibrillation, as it can worsen the condition.
  2. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: Digoxin is not recommended for patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, as it can increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
  3. Severe kidney disease: Digoxin dosage should be reduced in patients with severe kidney disease, as the drug is eliminated primarily by the kidneys.
  4. Electrolyte imbalance: Changes in electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium, magnesium) should be corrected before starting digoxin therapy, as electrolyte imbalance can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Digoxin 0.25 mg is categorized as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, meaning its safety during pregnancy has not been established. However, digoxin has been used in pregnant women for decades without any significant adverse effects on the fetus.

Digoxin is excreted in breast milk, but its amount is not expected to cause significant effects on the nursing infant. However, if a breastfeeding mother is taking digoxin, the infant should be monitored for signs of digoxin toxicity (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat).

Interactions with Other Medications Digoxin 0.25 mg can interact with several medications, which may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. Some of these medications include:

  1. Diuretics: Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity by causing potassium depletion.
  2. Beta-blockers: Taking beta-blockers with digoxin may decrease the heart rate and increase the risk of bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate).
  3. Calcium channel blockers: Verapamil and diltiazem may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity by reducing its elimination.
  4. Amiodarone: This antiarrhythmic drug can increase digoxin levels by reducing its elimination.
  5. Cholestyramine: This bile acid sequestrant can reduce the absorption of digoxin.

It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking or planning to take to ensure safe and effective treatment with digoxin 0.25 mg.

Overdose of Digoxin 0.25 mg An overdose of digoxin 0.25 mg can be life-threatening. Symptoms of digoxin overdose include:

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Confusion
  3. Blurred vision
  4. Yellow or green vision
  5. Abnormal heart rhythms (atrial tachycardia, bradycardia, atrioventricular block)
  6. Coma

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment of digoxin overdose includes supportive measures, correction of electrolyte imbalance, and digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments (Digibind).

Conclusion Digoxin 0.25 mg is a widely used medication for treating heart failure and atrial fibrillation. While it offers several benefits, it can also cause side effects and interact with other medications. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting digoxin therapy and to carefully follow the prescribed dosage and instructions. Monitoring digoxin levels and electrolyte balance is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment.

References:

  1. Digoxin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682301.html
  2. Digoxin. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19265-digoxin-oral-solution
  3. Digoxin. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/digoxin
  4. Goldberg, A. (2022). Digoxin. In A. K. Shetty & A. J. Chaudhry (Eds.), StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537447/
  5. Uptodate. (2022). Digoxin injectable solution or tablets. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/digoxin-injectable-solution-or-tablets-drug-information

Title: Digoxin 0.25 mg - Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Digoxin 0.25 mg is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. It belongs to a class of drugs called cardiac glycosides, which work by slowing the heart rate and increasing the strength of the heart muscle contractions. Digoxin 0.25 mg tablets are available in various strengths, including 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, and 0.5 mg.

Uses of Digoxin 0.25 mg Digoxin 0.25 mg is primarily used for treating the following conditions:

  1. Heart failure: Digoxin helps improve the efficiency of the heart in pumping blood and can reduce symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and feet.
  2. Atrial fibrillation: Digoxin is used to control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats.
  3. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: Digoxin is sometimes used to treat paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, a condition where the heart suddenly beats too quickly.

Benefits of Digoxin 0.25 mg Digoxin 0.25 mg offers several benefits, including:

  1. Improved heart function: Digoxin helps the heart pump more efficiently, leading to improved heart function and reduced symptoms of heart failure.
  2. Reduced hospitalization: Studies have shown that digoxin can decrease the need for hospitalization in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
  3. Enhanced quality of life: By controlling heart rate and improving heart function, digoxin can improve the quality of life for patients with heart conditions.

Side Effects of Digoxin 0.25 mg Like any medication, digoxin 0.25 mg can cause side effects, both common and rare. Some of the common side effects include:

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Dizziness or lightheadedness
  3. Headache
  4. Blurred vision
  5. Diarrhea
  6. Abnormal heart rhythms

Rare but serious side effects of digoxin 0.25 mg include:

  1. Ventricular fibrillation (life-threatening irregular heart rhythm)
  2. Visual disturbances (double vision, changes in color vision)
  3. Skin rash
  4. Hives
  5. Itching
  6. Stomach pain
  7. Mental confusion
  8. Weakness or fatigue

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if any of these side effects occur or if you experience any other unusual symptoms while taking digoxin 0.25 mg.

Dosage of Digoxin 0.25 mg The dosage of digoxin 0.25 mg varies depending on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition. The usual starting dose for adults is 0.25 mg (1/4 of a 1 mg tablet) daily or every other day. The maintenance dose is typically 0.25 mg daily. However, the dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response and blood levels.

In children, the dosage is determined by the child's age and weight. Generally, for children over 10 years old, the starting dose is 0.25 mg to 0.35 mg per day. For children under 10 years old, the starting dose is 0.05 mg to 0.35 mg per day.

It is crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional and not to take more or less digoxin than prescribed.

Contraindications and Warnings Digoxin 0.25 mg is contraindicated in certain situations:

  1. Ventricular fibrillation: Digoxin should not be used to treat ventricular fibrillation, as it can worsen the condition.
  2. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: Digoxin is not recommended for patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, as it can increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
  3. Severe kidney disease: Digoxin dosage should be reduced in patients with severe kidney disease, as the drug is eliminated primarily by the kidneys.
  4. Electrolyte imbalance: Changes in electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium, magnesium) should be corrected before starting digoxin therapy, as electrolyte imbalance can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Digoxin 0.25 mg is categorized as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, meaning its safety during pregnancy has not been established. However, digoxin has been used in pregnant women for decades without any significant adverse effects on the fetus.

Digoxin is excreted in breast milk, but its amount is not expected to cause significant effects on the nursing infant. However, if a breastfeeding mother is taking digoxin, the infant should be monitored for signs of digoxin toxicity (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat).

Interactions with Other Medications Digoxin 0.25 mg can interact with several medications, which may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. Some of these medications include:

  1. Diuretics: Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity by causing potassium depletion.
  2. Beta-blockers: Taking beta-blockers with digoxin may decrease the heart rate and increase the risk of bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate).
  3. Calcium channel blockers: Verapamil and diltiazem may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity by reducing its elimination.
  4. Amiodarone: This antiarrhythmic drug can increase digoxin levels by reducing its elimination.
  5. Cholestyramine: This bile acid sequestrant can reduce the absorption of digoxin.

It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking or planning to take to ensure safe and effective treatment with digoxin 0.25 mg.

Overdose of Digoxin 0.25 mg An overdose of digoxin 0.25 mg can be life-threatening. Symptoms of digoxin overdose include:

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Confusion
  3. Blurred vision
  4. Yellow or green vision
  5. Abnormal heart rhythms (atrial tachycardia, bradycardia, atrioventricular block)
  6. Coma

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment of digoxin overdose includes supportive measures, correction of electrolyte imbalance, and digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments (Digibind).

Conclusion Digoxin 0.25 mg is a widely used medication for treating heart failure and atrial fibrillation. While it offers several benefits, it can also cause side effects and interact with other medications. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting digoxin therapy and to carefully follow the prescribed dosage and instructions. Monitoring digoxin levels and electrolyte balance is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment.

References:

  1. Digoxin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682301.html
  2. Digoxin. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19265-digoxin-oral-solution
  3. Digoxin. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/digoxin
  4. Goldberg, A. (2022). Digoxin. In A. K. Shetty & A. J. Chaudhry (Eds.), StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537447/
  5. Uptodate. (2022). Digoxin injectable solution or tablets. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/digoxin-injectable-solution-or-tablets-drug-information