What should be noted when using digitalis drugs?
Disease description:
I took digitalis medication last night, and this morning when I woke up, I felt unwell. I would like to ask what precautions should be taken when using digitalis drugs.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
When using digitalis (cardiac glycosides), the following points should be noted:
1. Electrolyte levels: Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypercalcemia can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity. Regularly monitor serum potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels to maintain electrolyte balance.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring: Digitalis drugs can cause arrhythmias, such as atrioventricular (AV) block and ventricular tachycardia. Regular ECG examinations should be performed during treatment to detect and manage arrhythmias promptly.
4. Avoid calcium supplements: Calcium preparations must be strictly avoided during digitalis therapy to prevent hypercalcemia and digitalis toxicity.
5. Contraindications: Digitalis should be avoided or used with caution in patients with digitalis allergy, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome accompanied by atrial fibrillation or flutter, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or second-degree or higher AV block.
6. Do not discontinue treatment midway: Digitalis medications generally have cardiotonic and diuretic effects. When patients exhibit indications for the medication, they must follow medical advice to complete the prescribed dosage and course. Premature discontinuation may affect treatment efficacy.
7. Do not increase the dosage: The dosage of the medication should not be increased without medical instruction. Excessive dosage may increase the body's burden and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or cumulative drug toxicity.
