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Digitalis is often prescribed for individuals suffering from heart disease. The most common form of digitalis is Digoxin.
DIGITALIS WORKS ON THE HEART TO: - stabilise the heart rate and rhythm
- make the heart pump stronger and
- treat congestive heart failure
Digoxin is a strong medication that is prescribed and must be monitored very carefully. It must be taken on a regular basis, not just when a person is feeling bad. Improper dosage of the medication can cause serious problems. Digitalis toxicity can occur fairly easily and quickly. Digitalis can accumulate in tissues even when taken as prescribed. SYMPTOMS OF DIGOXIN OVERDOSE ARE: - weakness
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- seeing coloured lights
- loss of appetite or
- an uneven, very slow or very fast heartbeat
Several medications can affect the way digitalis works, causing either an increase or decrease in the medication's actions on the heart. Some of the medicines are: - diuretics or fluid tablets
- other cardiac medications
- antacids
- laxatives and some diarrhoea medications
- thyroid and asthma medications
- decongestants found in cough, cold, and sinus products and
- diet pills
Article #6126 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
