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Digitalis

Digitalis is a plant that is used for the production of medicine. Although the parts of this plant that grow above ground can be used to make medicine, digitalis is not safe and harmless for self-medication as all parts of the plant are poisonous. Chemicals extracted from digitalis are used to make the drug digoxin. Digitalis lnata is the primary source of digoxin. Digitalis is used for heart failure and to relieve accompanying water retention, irregular heartbeat including atrial fibrillation, asthma, epilepsy, tuberculosis, constipation, headaches and spasms. Digitalis is also used as an emetic and to heal wounds and burns.

How does digitalis work?

Digitalis contains chemicals that are used to make the prescription drug digoxin. These chemicals can increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, increase the heart rate and increase the heart's pumping capacity.

How effective is digitalis?

Digitalis is likely to be effective when used for irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, as well as heart failure and associated water retention.

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of digitalis in asthma, epilepsy, tuberculosis, constipation, headaches, spasms, wounds and burns, and when used as an emetic. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of digitalis in these applications.

Safety and side effects

The use of digitalis without medical supervision is not safe for anyone. Some people are particularly sensitive to the toxic side effects of digitalis and should take extra care when using it. Digitalis can cause irregular heart function and death. Signs of digitalis poisoning include stomach problems, small pupils, blurred vision, a strong slow pulse, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, excessive urination, fatigue, muscle weakness and tremors, drowsiness, confusion, twitching, abnormal heartbeat and death. Long-term use of digitalis can lead to symptoms of intoxication including visual hallucinations, yellow-green vision and stomach upset.

There have been deaths due to confusion of digitalis with comfrey.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Self-medication with digitalis is not safe or safe and should be avoided.

Heart disease: Although digitalis is effective for some heart problems, it is too dangerous to use without a doctor's supervision. Heart disease requires diagnosis, treatment and monitoring by a doctor.

Kidney disease: People who suffer from kidney disease may have problems with the breakdown and excretion of digitalis. This can increase the risk of accumulation of digitalis in the body and digitalis poisoning.

Interactions

Digitalis should not be used in conjunction with the following medications:

Digoxin

Digoxin helps the heart to beat more strongly. Digitalis also appears to affect the heart. Taking digitalis in combination with digoxin could increase the effect of digoxin and the risk of side effects. For this reason, digitalis should only be used after prior consultation with your doctor if you are taking digoxin.

Quinine

Digitalis can affect the heart. Quinine can also affect the heart. Taking quinine in combination with digitalis could cause serious heart problems. Care should be taken when combining digitalis with the following medications:

Antibiotics (macrolide antibiotics)

Digitalis can affect the heart. Some antibiotics can increase the amount of digitalis absorbed by the body. An increase in the amount of digitalis absorbed could increase the effects and side effects of digitalis.

The group of macrolide antibiotics includes erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin.

Antibiotics (tetracyline antibiotics)

Taking tetracyline antibiotics in combination with digitalis could increase the risk of side effects from digitalis.

The group of tetracycline antibiotics includes demeclocycline, minocycline and tetracycline.

Stimulant laxatives

Digitalis can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Stimulant laxatives can lower potassium levels in the body and low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from digitalis.

Diuretics

Digitalis can affect the heart. Diuretics can lower potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from digitalis.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of digitalis depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for digitalis. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
  2. De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1st Publisher, Berlin: Springer, 1992.
  3. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed, Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  4. Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
  5. Johnson JA, Lalonde RL. Congestive Heart Failure. Eds. DiPiro JT, et al. Pharmacotherapy, third ed. Stamford: Appleton and Lange, 1997.