Digoxin

Digoxin is a medication that is primarily used to treat certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sometimes heart failure. It works by affecting the minerals inside heart cells, which reduces strain on the heart and helps it maintain a steady, strong heartbeat.

Here are some key points about digoxin:

1. **Mechanism of Action**: Digoxin increases the force of heart muscle contractions by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump. This leads to an increase in intracellular calcium, which strengthens cardiac muscle contraction.

2. **Indications**: It's used to control heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation and to manage symptoms of heart failure, often in combination with other medications such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors.

3. **Dosage**: The dosage of digoxin can vary depending on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, kidney function, and other factors. It’s crucial for it to be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional due to its narrow therapeutic index.

4. **Side Effects**: Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. More serious side effects can occur, such as digoxin toxicity, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

5. **Monitoring**: Patients on digoxin often require regular blood tests to monitor drug levels and kidney function, as well as periodic ECGs to check heart rhythm.

6. **Interactions**: Digoxin has several drug interactions, so it’s important for patients to inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

If you have any specific questions or need more detailed information, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.