There are varieties of drugs used in treating heart failure. Cardiologist will prescribe medicines based on type of heart failure a person has. It will depend on severity of heart failure and a person's response to the drug. Medicine that includes in treating heart failure includes diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Aldosterone antagonist, beta blockers digoxin and etc. Among the drugs Digoxin is one of the drugs that require safety measures and vigilance. This drug is known for its toxicity, as it aggravate side effects of Digoxin. It is advisable to have knowledge about Digoxin and Digoxin toxicity signs and symptoms if you are prescribed with this drug.

Digoxin is a medicine usually prescribed in treatment of heart failure, heart arrhythmias and angina pectoris. It is also given or used to those patients after a heart attack. There any many factors that contribute to digoxin toxicity; drug interaction, food interaction and if a person is allergic to this drug are some of the factors. Some medicine and foods can cause a decrease in digoxin absorption in our body. Drugs like diltiazem, indomethacin, anticholinergics, nifedipine, verapamil, quinine and certain anti-infectives. Also, toxicity may occur when a person takes large amount of this drug at one occasion.

Digoxin toxicity signs and symptoms should be detected as early as possible as it requires immediate medical attention. Intoxication to this drug can be considered life threatening. Early signs of toxicity include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Abnormalities in vision like blurring or double vision or seeing halos around an image or light that is greenish to yellowish when focusing. Other signs and symptoms include confusions, irregular pulse or heartbeat that is below 60 heartbeats per minute. Palpitations can also be experienced. Decreased in consciousness or fainting can also happen.

Determining or diagnosing level of toxicity is based on the occurrence of digoxin toxicity signs and symptoms. A blood test will show high levels of digoxin present in the blood. An electrocardiogram will determine abnormal electrical activity in the heart brought by digoxin toxic levels. Treating Digoxin toxicity varies according to severity of the toxicity. A tube is inserted through the nose onto the stomach to empty its contents. This tube can be also used to putting activated charcoal to the clean the stomach. Digibind is the antidote of choice in treating digoxin toxicity. Discontinuing or decreasing the amount of digoxin is also included in the treatment.