Drugs for heart failure ( Digitalis )
Drugs:
- Digoxin
- Digitoxin
Mechanism of action:
In the normal condition of contraction in the heart muscle, the concentration of sodium ions increases inside the heart muscle cells, and in return, the concentration of potassium and calcium ions outside the heart muscle cells increases.
Medicines used to treat heart failure, such as Digoxin, this drug works by blocking the sodium-potassium ion pump, which leads to preventing the exit of sodium ions outside the heart muscle cells and preventing the entry of potassium ions into the heart muscle cells, which leads to an increase in the concentration of potassium ions outside the heart muscle cells and an increase Sodium ions inside the heart muscl .
Pharmacological action:
1- Increase the heart rate cardiac output by enhancing the contraction of the heart.
2- Reducing myocardial oxygen demands.
3- Promote adequate blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in a reduction in both edema and blood volume.
4- Reducing pulmonary venous pressure, which reduces the risk of dyspnea and orthopnea in patients.
The used:
Digoxin is used to treat patients with systolic heart failure only after starting angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretic therapy.
Side effect:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Arrhythmia
- Hyperkalemia (Increased potassium concentration in the blood
- Blurred vision
Drugs interactions with digoxin:
- Thiazide
- Loop diuretic
- Beta-blocker
- Clarithromycin ( digoxin dose reduction )
Precautions:
1- Serum potassium should be monitored from time to time when digoxin is administered to patients who also suffer from hypokalemia.
2- The dose of digoxin should be reduced in patients with renal failure because digoxin is eliminated by the kidneys.