Precautions for Digitalis Medications
Disease description:
Recently, I have experienced atrial fibrillation two or three times. After visiting the hospital, my doctor prescribed me digitalis medication. However, this is the first time I am taking this medication. May I ask, what should I pay attention to when taking digitalis drugs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Cardiac glycosides are primarily used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. The following points should be noted when using these medications:
1. Special populations: Patients with renal insufficiency and elderly patients may experience slower excretion of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of toxicity. Therefore, the dosage should be appropriately reduced.
2. Avoid drug interactions: Calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, amiodarone, and other medications may enhance the effects or toxicity of cardiac glycosides.
3. Dosage reduction in elderly patients and children: Due to decreased metabolic and excretory capacity, these populations are more susceptible to toxic reactions.
4. Indications for discontinuation: If severe arrhythmias, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms occur, the medication should be immediately discontinued and medical attention sought.
5. Monitoring: During treatment, the patient's heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) should be regularly monitored to promptly detect and manage potential adverse reactions such as arrhythmias.
6. Side effects: Cardiac glycosides may cause side effects including arrhythmias, neurological disturbances, nausea, and vomiting. Close attention should be paid to the patient's response, and the treatment regimen should be adjusted as necessary.
