Tag: Cardiac glycosides

According to American Heart Association guidelines, digoxin should be generally avoided in patients with second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block unless a functioning pacemaker is present. However, a nuanced approach is required, as the answer to 'Is digoxin contraindicated in AV block?' is not a simple yes or no, but depends heavily on the type and severity of the heart block.

The use of squill as a medicinal plant dates back to at least 1500 BC, where it was noted in the Ebers Papyrus, one of ancient Egypt's oldest medical texts [1.6.3, 1.6.6]. So, what is squill in cough medicine and why is this ancient remedy now used with extreme caution?

Mentioned in the ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus around 1600 BC, squill, derived from the bulb of the plant *Drimia maritima*, has one of the longest recorded histories of medicinal use. Today, the answer to what is squill used for in medicine is more complex, balancing historical applications with modern safety concerns over its potent cardiac glycosides.

First used more than 200 years ago, digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that has seen a significant shift in its clinical application over time. Once a cornerstone of heart failure treatment, it is now primarily used as an adjunctive or second-line therapy for specific conditions where its unique properties are most beneficial. Understanding **what is digoxin most effective in treating** today is crucial for clinicians and patients navigating modern cardiology.

Headache is a reported side effect of the cardiac medication digoxin, with an incidence of 1-10% in some reports. While not the most common side effect, headaches can occur and may sometimes signal an elevated level of the drug in the body, which requires immediate medical attention.

First isolated in 1930 from the foxglove plant, digitalis has been used to treat heart conditions for centuries. Today, the main clinical use of digitalis, in the form of digoxin, is for managing symptomatic heart failure and controlling ventricular rate in certain arrhythmias.

The risk of digoxin toxicity is significant, as a single overdose or chronic exposure can lead to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, understanding what are the assessment cues for digoxin toxicity is crucial for all healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and timely intervention.

The overall incidence of adverse reactions with digoxin is reported to be between 5% and 20% [1.6.1]. Understanding what you should not mix with digoxin is critical, as its narrow therapeutic index means many substances can lead to dangerous interactions [1.3.1].

The incidence of digoxin toxicity is estimated to be between 0.8% and 4% of patients on steady therapy, often due to drug interactions [1.10.1]. Understanding **what meds cannot be taken with digoxin** is crucial for safety, as many common prescriptions can dangerously alter its effects [1.2.2].

While both digoxin and metoprolol are used to treat certain heart conditions, a key distinction is that digoxin is a cardiac glycoside and metoprolol is a beta-blocker, meaning they work in completely different ways. Understanding these differences is critical for patients and caregivers managing heart health.