Combining Digoxin and Furosemide is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. These electrolyte imbalances significantly increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, potentially leading to severe cardiac arrhythmias and other adverse effects, even at therapeutic digoxin levels.
Mechanism: Furosemide-induced hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia enhance digoxin's binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase pump. This increased binding exacerbates the inhibitory effect of digoxin, leading to heightened intracellular calcium and subsequent toxicity.
Digoxin vs. Furosemide
Compare Digoxin and Furosemide: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Digoxin | Furosemide |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Cardiac Glycosides | Loop Diuretics |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Cost | $10-$50/month | $5-$30/month |
Digoxin Overview
DIGOXIN (brand name: Digoxin) is a Cardiac Glycosides. 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside indicated for: Treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults. (1.1) Increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. (1.2) Control of resting ventricular rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation in…
Full Digoxin guide →Furosemide Overview
FUROSEMIDE (brand name: Furosemide) is a Loop Diuretics. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Edema Furosemide tablets are indicated in adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. Furosemide is particularly useful when an agent with…
Full Furosemide guide →How Each Drug Works
Digoxin
All of digoxin’s actions are mediated through its effects on Na-K ATPase. This enzyme, the “sodium pump,” is responsible for maintaining the intracellular milieu throughout the body by moving sodium ions out of and potassium ions into cells. By inhibiting Na-K ATPase, digoxin causes increased availability of intracellular calcium in the myocardium and conduction system, with consequent increased inotropy, increased automaticity, and reduced conduction velocity indirectly…
Approved Uses (Indications)
Digoxin
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside indicated for: Treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults. Increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Control of resting ventricular rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation in adults. 1.1 Heart Failure in Adults Digoxin is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults. Digoxin increases left ventricular ejection fraction and improves heart failure symptoms as evidenced by improved exercise capacity and decreased heart failure-related hospitali…
Furosemide
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Edema Furosemide tablets are indicated in adults and pediatric patients for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. Furosemide is particularly useful when an agent with greater diuretic potential is desired. Hypertension Furosemide tablets may be used in adults for the treatment of hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Hypertensive patients who cannot be adequately controlled with thiazides will probably also not be adequately controlled…
Side Effects
Digoxin
Furosemide
Cost Comparison
Digoxin
$10-$50/month
Generic available
The cost of generic digoxin is relatively low, especially with insurance or discount coupons. Brand-name Lanoxin may be more expensive.
Furosemide
$5-$30/month
Generic available
Furosemide is widely available as a generic medication, making it very affordable. Prices can vary based on dosage, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Manufacturer and pharmacy coupons are often available to further reduce costs.
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Medical Disclaimer
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