Questions about digoxin

[kitttycat]

I am reaching out again to you wonderful people. I am trying to resolve a few issues about digoxin. I take 75 mg propafenone 2 x daily (I couldn't tolerate a whole tablet of 150 2 x daily so this was halved) I also take .125 digoxin 1 x daily.

I am wondering if the digoxin can be reduced in half because the propafenone has been reduced in half. Is this something that makes sense? Does anyone know how this works?

I am not clear why I take these two drugs . I was told one makes the heart beat faster and one slower. I was told if the propafenone still affected me then just take the digoxin. Its okay now but I am trying to understand this. i.e. why I would take one medicine when I am taking two.

Does anyone have any insight into this.

Digoxin has really thinned my hair and I have been reading that it can be a dangerous drug. It has worried me a bit.

I would appreciate learning anything I can on this. Thank you so much.

All the best in 2025.

Good luck to everyone

[BobD Volunteer]

Propafanone is an anti-arrhythmic drug designed to stop your heart going into AF. Digoxin slows the heart. What was you prpbnlem with propafanone since that is a very small dose? Apart from a slight metalic taste in my mouth on high doses (3x300mg) it was a life saver for me when I had AF.

[kitttycat in reply to BobD]

Hi the propafanone caused pressure in my head. It was also making my ears full and I was dizzy. It is okay now. The pharmacist told me they had 4 or 5 clients that took propafanone and they all took half. I asked the cardiologist about this. Its okay now.

[Rainfern]

My EP explained digoxin this way: It’s main purpose is to strengthen the heartbeat rather than slow it down. It worked brilliantly for me when I had persistent AF, I was much less breathless and had more stamina. Are you sure it’s the digoxin causing hair loss? Anticoagulants can do the same. Of course there’s risks attached to digoxin same as with all medicines, and it’s really up to a good EP to help us explore what works best for us. Good luck finding the best path for you.

[kitttycat in reply to Rainfern]

Hi thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate this information. I am sure the apixaban is also contributing but it was never like this until I started taking the digoxin - its been confirmed to me. I am wondering if there is another medicine instead of digoxin. Thank you again for this.

[Silvasava]

Kitty, I've been on digoxin for about 4 years, I've had no issues and no effect to my hair. I have Afib, rhythm not rate and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

[kitttycat in reply to Silvasava]

Hi thanks for your note I have found digoxin very good otherwise. I guess its a combination of medicines. I know propafanone has a possibility of causing hair loss at first, but I take very little and the first is now past. Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate it. Best wishes.

[Ppiman]

As you are finding, the actions of the heart and the drugs used to affect it are never clear cut and a happy medium is the best that can be found. I found digoxin to be excellent for slowing my racing heart when I had atrial flutter. Each of our histories will likely be different, so only our GPs or specialists know the best way forwards.

Steve

[kitttycat in reply to Ppiman]

Hi Steve thanks for your note, and your sound words. I have also found digoxin to be quite good, I guess I wish I could just understand all this, but I am learning bit by bit. I don't have afib episodes which I am thankful for. Thanks again, best in the new year.

[Ppiman in reply to kitttycat]

To you too… and a c-c-cold start by the sounds of it!

Steve

[kitttycat in reply to Ppiman]

cold and windy..

[Buffafly]

A nurse told me that when she was training they were told to remember the effect of Digoxin on the heartbeat as SSS - strong, slow and steady!

[kitttycat in reply to Buffafly]

Hi Buffafly, thank you for your note. I will remember these words, I found this interesting.

Thanks again. All the best.