In the world, statistics of heart diseases are growing every year, and therefore pharmacists are trying to develop the most effective means of fighting for the health and quality of life of people. Consider one of the drugs, the action of which is aimed at correcting cardiovascular pathology - Digoxin. Instructions for use, indications, contraindications and other information will be set forth in this article in a language understandable to the average user of the Internet network. Readers, however, should remember that before you start taking Digoxin, you need to get qualified medical advice and undergo an examination.
What is Digoxin?
Instructions for use, applied to the industrial packaging of the drug, include the following information: its pharmacological properties are pacemaker and neutralization of arrhythmia.
This medicine is available in two forms. Digoxin tablets - 1 pill contains 0.1 mg of the active substance digoxin. Excipients are: potato starch, refined sugar, glucose, petroleum jelly, calcium or magnesium stearate, talc. In addition, they release the drug in the form of a solution for injection at a concentration of 1 ml of digoxin per dose, excipients - ethanol (about 96%), sodium phosphate, citric acid, special water for injection.
Method of use "Digoxin"
The instructions for use recommend that the drug be administered intravenously (in some cases, the solution is administered using a dropper). The dose of the drug is selected by the doctor, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, his diagnosis. Patients who have previously taken cardiac glycosides, the amount of "Digoxin" is required to reduce. The courses of treatment are determined as follows:
1st day - 0.25 mg up to 5 times a day, then 0.25 mg three times a day, then maintenance doses are taken - from 0.25 to 0.5 mg per day.
Digoxin is taken in pill form. The dosage is different and each time determined by the doctor.
Taking medication is carried out only on an empty stomach. For people with sick kidneys, elderly patients, with exhaustion, and having a pacemaker, it is necessary to dose the Digoxin medicine very carefully.
For patients under 14 years of age, Digoxin should be calculated based on their weight, from 25 to 75 micrograms of active substance per kilogram of weight.
In case of kidney diseases, Digoxin is prescribed from 25 to 75% of the recommended daily dose.
Indications for taking Digoxin
Instructions for use of the drug "Digoxin" advises taking it for heart failure, arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation), tachycardia, atrial disorders (flutter), stagnation of blood circulation.
Contraindications of the drug "Digoxin"
High sensitivity to components, endocarditis, intoxication of the body (glycosidic), ventricular tachycardia, Adams-Stokes-Morgagni or carotid sinus syndrome, severe bradycardia, hypokalemia, mitral stenosis (isolated), hypercalcemia, aortic aneurysm in the chest myocardium, period of acute manifestation, AV blockade of the 2nd and 3rd degree, cardiomyopathy (obstructive hypertrophic).
Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation. Application is possible only in exceptional cases and only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Side effects of the drug "Digoxin"
Cardiovascular system: rhythm and conduction disturbance (sinus bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, atrial tachycardia).
Digestive system: diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, anorexia.
PNS and CNS: minor headaches, fatigue, dizziness.
Visual impairment ("flies", decreased severity).
In addition, there were observed: sleep disturbance, as well as euphoria, syncope (fainting) or delirious (hallucinations) condition.
Endocrine system: gynecomastia may develop, however, this requires taking Digoxin for a long time.
Before starting use, a doctor’s consultation is required. He will determine and prescribe the necessary doses of the drug, as well as establish the duration of the course.