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What is Digitalis?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Digitalis, or Foxglove is used to make a powerful and effective medication to treat those with heart conditions. Foxgloves are beautiful plants, but should be grown with great caution around children, since the leaves are extremely poisonous. Unlike many other modern medications, digitalis derived from leaves has been in use for over 200 years.

At first, the discovery of digitalis by William Withering of England led to its trial for numerous conditions including asthma, tuberculosis, and insanity. It proved unsuccessful in these trials. Its most effective use at the time was for the condition termed dropsy, which was the accumulation of fluid throughout the body generally caused by chronic heart failure.

Digitalis can be used to adjust the heart's rhythm.
Digitalis can be used to adjust the heart's rhythm.

It was noted in scientific papers in the late 19th century for its ability to slow the heart rate or to increase it as needed. It was also tried as a diuretic, helping to ease fluid retention for those with dropsy. Physicians gave digitalis to those with fevers, since fevers seemed to accelerate the pulse.

Today the properties of digitalis are better understood. It tends to be used for those in heart failure and those prone to arrhythmias. In children it may be used to tide a child over until he or she can grow large enough for corrective heart surgery.

Digitalis can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Digitalis can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Digitalis is only slightly effective as a diuretic, and other less toxic medications are frequently preferred, when one only needs medication to control fluid retention. Digitalis very likely relieved fluid retention by promoting better heart function. However, it is not the gold standard choice for addressing fluid retention unless other choices are unavailable to the patient.

Digitalis should be stored far out of the reach of children.
Digitalis should be stored far out of the reach of children.

Digitalis, often called digoxin in its prescribed form, stimulates receptors in the heart to produce more calcium. This results in the heart beating with more force. As heart failure progresses, the heart tends to grow weak, producing less calcium. In these cases arrhythmias or heart attack are more likely to occur. With medication, risk of heart attack is significantly reduced.

In earlier years, digitalis was used to treat fever.
In earlier years, digitalis was used to treat fever.

Digitalis requires proper attention to dosage. Too much can result in sudden death or heart rhythm irregularities. Especially when giving this medicine to children, one should be sure to dose properly, using measurement equipment provided by the doctor or pharmacist. One should never measure doses with cooking or household teaspoons. If one thinks he or she has skipped a digitalis dose, but cannot be sure, it is better to forgo taking a second dose. Additionally, digitalis should be stored far out of the reach of children, since even a small amount can be lethal.

People who take digitalis should avoid taking antihistamines and decongestants.
People who take digitalis should avoid taking antihistamines and decongestants.

If one’s doctor prescribes digitalis, one should be certain to inform the doctor of all medications, vitamins or herbal supplements one takes, regardless of whether they are prescribed or over the counter. Use of any illegal drugs should also be discussed with one’s physician as many substances can interact with digitalis. Some substances actually increase the medication’s toxicity.

The use of illegal drugs may have a negative interaction with digitalis.
The use of illegal drugs may have a negative interaction with digitalis.

Certain medications have known interactions with digitalis. These include other heart medications, like anti-arrhythmia drugs, cholesterol reducing medications, and nitroglycerin. Some antibiotics interact with digitalis, and oral anti-fungal medications should also be avoided. Antacids, decongestants, antihistamines and diarrhea medications may cause adverse reactions too. If one has a cold or cough, it is especially important to consult with a physician about what cold medications may be safe to take.

Side effects of digitalis may include extreme sensitivity to light.
Side effects of digitalis may include extreme sensitivity to light.

As with all medications, serious side effects can occur, and nausea, severe diarrhea, skin rash or extreme visual sensitivity to light are potential medical emergencies which require the immediate attention of a physician. When digitalis is well tolerated, it is a saving grace for many afflicted with heart conditions. Digitalis is considered with antibiotics to be one of the most important medications developed in history, since it has significantly increased the life expectancy of those who must use it.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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    • Digitalis can be used to adjust the heart's rhythm.
      By: adimas
      Digitalis can be used to adjust the heart's rhythm.
    • Digitalis can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Digitalis can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.
    • Digitalis should be stored far out of the reach of children.
      By: Picture Partners
      Digitalis should be stored far out of the reach of children.
    • In earlier years, digitalis was used to treat fever.
      By: daynamore
      In earlier years, digitalis was used to treat fever.
    • People who take digitalis should avoid taking antihistamines and decongestants.
      By: dusk
      People who take digitalis should avoid taking antihistamines and decongestants.
    • The use of illegal drugs may have a negative interaction with digitalis.
      By: termis1983
      The use of illegal drugs may have a negative interaction with digitalis.
    • Side effects of digitalis may include extreme sensitivity to light.
      By: petarpaunchev
      Side effects of digitalis may include extreme sensitivity to light.