Dijoxin toxicity

[Primrose567]

This is an enquiry on behalf of my dad. My sister and myself are at the end of our tether trying to get answers from the medical profession. My dad (85) was taken into hospital a few weeks ago with breathing difficulties. He has a history of angina, heart failure, and tachycardia. He was prescribed dijoxin, but started to suffer from hallucinations, confusion, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. He wasn't monitored, other than general observations, and we were the ones telling the consultant to take him off dijoxin, which they did. Dad seemed to have improved and was discharged. He's now been suffering from a prolonged chest infection and is on his third course of antibiotics. He is also still extremely confused, tired and still suffering with diarrhoea and lack of appetite. Could dijoxin have permanently damaged him, or still be in his system? We are getting no answers or help from anywhere.

[Donut90]

Hi Primrose567, my partner was on digoxin and they stopped it due to suspected digoxin toxicity. I have no idea if it can cause damage, permanent or otherwise - I haven’t heard of this myself - hopefully someone with more knowledge on the forum would be able to advise. However, regarding whether in his system still - in case of help, my partner was told by his GP that it takes 8 days for Digoxin to leave your system once you stop taking it.

[10gingercats]

I was given Digoxin when verapamil stopped working for me. I had hallucinations and could not cope so it was withdrawn and I was then prescribed Bisoprolol which was better for me.

[Bahamasgirl]

I take Digoxin but a very low dose which I had to lower due to side effects. It has a long half life so depending on when your dad stopped taking it may possibly still be in his system. It’s not used much anymore and has a very narrow therapeutic window. Doctors are not very familiar with it. In the US blood tests are performed regularly to check for toxicity. Symptoms your Dad has may also be due to infection. Digoxin will eventually leave the system and not do damage in my experience. Best wishes.

[T666]

I was on digoxin for over 10 years. This year it was stopped due to a very low heart rate (29-36)

I have had 4 lots of antibiotics this year ( chest infections). I would say. Keep in mind that some antibiotics result in diarrhoea

The body responds on an individual by individual some have no effects others can be impacted

It is always worth seeking medical advice ice if you have specific concerns as lay people we can make coincidental blame diagnosis… ie it must be the tablet causing x, y, z a doctor will look at the ‘bigger picture’

I hope he feels much better soon

[FernCottage]

Hi.

Antibiotics can be responsible for diarrhoea and loss of appetite. If he has been very unwell he may have delirium which is quite common in older people who have had a hospital admission. This causes confusion and sometimes hallucinations and it can go on for a while. Hospital admission usually makes it worse so being at home is usually best and recovery is quicker.

I hope he feels better soon.

[fishonabike]

I support those who point out that many of the symptoms you describe can also be caused by a combination of antibiotic after effects and recovery after chest infections

Loss of appetite and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration which can cause confusion etc

Antibiotics, particularly repeat doses, damage the bacteria in your gut (microbiome) which can lead to diarrhoea, loss of appetite and a host of other issues

Regular fluids and light, nourishing meals and snacks can be a vital part of treatment and recovery, particularly for fragile people - so forget healthy dietary principles and encourage your father to eat small amounts of his favourite foods, often - home made soups full of good ingredients (or other favourite dishes) can be liquidised for easy eating, add cream, butter etc for flavour and calories, make sure he drinks enough fluids, tea coffee water, squash......... be imaginative

And you might want to find out about a probiotic supplement to help reestablish his gut bacteria

[Primrose567]

Thank you for all your helpful comments.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Earlier this year I had awful side effects from the antibiotic Co-trimoxazole including an upset stomach. nausea, aura migraines. It was stopped when I had a heavy fall practicing on my prosthetic.

With regards to the Digoxin This can cause imbalances in the blood chemistry such as overly .low potassium. I think your GP should check the blood chemistry and also look for infection markers (also in urine in case of UTI a frequent cause of confusion).

[Breesha]

I have been on Digoxin and Biso for years , I do not seem to have had any ill effects , my problem has just started with Forgixa.