Digoxin and A/F.

[Mikee]

Hello everyone,

my E.P. is trying me on Digoxin as well as the Bisoprolol and High Blood Pressure medication that I am already taking. I was wondering if anybody who is taking Digoxin has any side effects etc. and I believe there was a study not so long ago about taking Digoxin for A/F.. Does anybody know anything about this.

I would also like to thank everybody on this site for all their input and general advice about A/F. it's been a lot of help for me, personally. Since I was diagnosed I have learned more about the condition and treatment from all of you than any book could have informed me.

Mike.

[rosyG]

If you have the vagal type of AF that happens at night then I think Digoxin and Bisoprolol shouldn't be given- think it's used otherwise but do remember something about it not being as popular as in the past

[dedeottie]

Do you know why bisoprolol shouldn't be used for night time episodes? My husband has just had it prescribed for him and his attacks are always at night.

[Mikee]

Thanks for your reply rosyG. I've had persistent A/F for almost 2 years now and also have Asthma. My Heart Rate is getting a bit high and E.P will not up the dosage of the Bisoprolol because of the Asthma, so he is adding Digoxin to my prescription, in the hope that this will slow it down a bit. I was just wondering about Digoxin, as somebody told me it can be a bit toxic.

[rosyG]

“These findings mean that physicians should try to control a patient’s heart rate by using alternatives as a first line, such as beta-blockers or calcium blockers; if digoxin is used, use a low dose with careful clinical follow-up, evaluate potential drug interactions when starting new medications, and monitor digoxin levels. Patients should be aware of potential toxicity and see their physicians immediately in specific clinical situations, for instance if they experience palpitations or syncope

I cut and paste this from a 2012 study- there was a 2013 study that thinks digoxin is ok and that results have been biased as patients taking it often had heart failure as an extra illness at the time.

It was a separate article which said Digoxin and bisoprolol shouldnt be used for vagal AF 9often occurs at night)as might prolong attacks.

I was on a very low dose of bisoprolol and still had only short episode of AF at night but came off it soon as my normal low pulse became too low

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to rosyG]

Hi Mikee & RosyG - I have just been told to up my dose of digoxin and I also take amiodarone. Hate taking these toxic medications!! Can't wait for my cardioversion in two weeks time, hopefully after that I can come of these poisons.

[Mikee]

rosyg, thanks for that

[Mikee]

Hi, jeanjeanie50, I know what you mean, I have been on Amiodarone in the past and although I had no side effects, it was always in the back of my mind. I suppose we should be grateful these drugs are here though, as sometimes we do need them and they do the job that's required. Nevertheless, I hope all is well after your cardioversion and you can manage without them. Best wishes, Mike.

[Goldiwonder1]

hi Mikee I too take digoxin and bisoprolol with blood pressure tablets. My concern is that after 2 months of taking the pulse reducing tablets I am experiencing breathlessness which I never had before and I have read a few accounts of similar results from other users. My pulse and BP rates have normalised but this breathlessness is worrying. So will speak to cardiologist for advice. Wish you well. Goldiwonder