Understanding Digitek & Digitalis Side Effects and Medical Complications

Digitalis is a medication prescribed to certain heart patients. Digitalis toxicity is a complication of digitalis therapy, or it may be caused by an acute ingestion of digitalis.

Causes
Digitalis toxicity is generally caused by high levels of digitalis in the body, but can sometimes occur from decreased tolerance to the drug. It is possible to see digitalis toxicity from a single exposure to a large dose of Digitek as well as chronic overmedication; it may also occur if other risks are present.

Medical complications include taking digitalis medications such as digoxin or digitoxin, along with medications that contradict digitalis such as amiodarone, verapamil, quinidine, and others.

Patients with heart failure may be given diuretics (medicine used to remove excess fluid from the body) along with digoxin. It has been noted that diuretic drugs can cause the loss of potassium. Decreased levels of potassium in the body can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity.

Patients with diminished kidney function will cause digitalis to stock pile in the body rather than being removed from the body normally through the urinary tract. Consequently, a disorder that disrupts kidney functions can make digitalis toxicity more likely.

Symptoms of digitalis toxicity include:

• Confusion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Palpitations
• Irregular pulse

Additional symptoms that may be associated with digitalis toxicity include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Overall swelling of the body
• Excessive evening urination
• Decreased consciousness
• Decreased urine output

Disclaimer: No information contained on this site should be considered medical advice. There is no substitute for the advice of a medical health care provider. Do not rely on this information in making medical decisions, as it is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.