$Unique_ID{BRK01929}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{DIGITOXIN}
$Subject{Crystodigin (Lilly)
digitoxin (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


DIGITOXIN
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Crystodigin (Lilly)
     digitoxin (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Cardiac glycoside
INGREDIENT:
     digitoxin
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.15 mg, and 0.2 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Digitoxin belongs to a group of drugs known as digitalis glycosides.  It
is used to treat heart arrhythmias and congestive heart failure.  Digitoxin
improves the strength and efficiency of the heart and controls the heart
rhythm.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take digitoxin with food or
with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     In order to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it
at the same time each day.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.  If you miss two or more doses, check with your
doctor.
     Digitoxin does not cure heart failure, but it will help to control the
condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, or
vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bad dreams, blurred vision, breast enlargement (in both sexes), confusion,
depression, disorientation, hallucinations, muscle weakness, palpitations, or
tingling sensations.

INTERACTIONS

     Digitoxin interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Barbiturates, phenytoin, aminoglutethimide, levodopa, penicillamine,
oral antidiabetic medications, phenylbutazone, and rifampin can decrease the
blood levels and effectiveness of digitoxin.
     2. The absorption of digitoxin from the gastrointestinal tract is reduced
when it is taken with colestipol, cholestyramine, metoclopramide, antacids,
neomycin, antineoplastic (anticancer) drugs, or sulfasalazine.
     3. Tetracycline can increase the absorption of digitoxin from the
gastrointestinal tract, which can increase the risk of side effects.
     4. Spironolactone can unpredictably increase or decrease the side effects
of digitoxin.
     5. Concurrent use of quinidine, procainamide, hydroxychloroquine,
calcium, reserpine, ephedrine, or beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol,
betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol,
pindolol, propranolol, timolol) with digitoxin can lead to additive effects on
the heart.
     6. The dosage of digitoxin may require adjustment if therapy with thyroid
hormones, methimazole, or propylthiouracil is started.
     7. Concurrent use of digitoxin and quinidine, quinine, erythromycin,
amiodarone, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, diltiazem, nifedipine, or verapamil
can increase the blood levels and the side effects of digitoxin.
     Before starting to take digitoxin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to digitoxin or any other digitalis glycoside.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had blood electrolyte disorders (too much or
too little calcium, magnesium, or potassium), heart disease, kidney disease,
lung disease, liver disease, or thyroid disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough, cold, diet, or sinus product.  Some
of these products can increase the side effects of digitoxin.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping abruptly may lead to a worsening of your condition.  While
you are taking digitoxin, your doctor may want you to check your pulse every
day.  If your pulse is slower than your doctor has told you it should be or if
the rhythm is irregular, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although digitoxin
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  In addition, the dosage of digitoxin required to control your
disorder may change during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known if digitoxin passes into breast
milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
