Digoxin

Benefits:

• Increases contraction strength of the heart

Possible Side Effects:

 Heightened serum levels
 Worsening heart failure
 Heart arrhythmia
 Loss of appetite
 Lethargy
 Dehydration
 Diarrhea

Caution:

The collie breed of dog may be more susceptible to the central nervous system effects of Digoxin. Use with caution in this breed.

Possible Drug Interactions::

Antacids
Anticholinergics
Chemotherapy
Furosemide and other diuretics
Glucocorticoids
Laxatives
Thyroid hormones
Amphotericin B
Cimetidine
Diazepam
Diltiazem
Erythromycin
Metoclopramide
Neomycin sulfate
Penicillamine
Quinidine
Spironolactone
Succinylcholine
Chloride
Tetracycline
Verapamil

Precautions:

Use caution when giving this drug to pets with severe heart or pulomonary disease - giving this drug to pets with certain heart problems- ventricular arrythmias, digitalis intoxication, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, acute myocarditis, acute myocardial infarct, ventricular tachycardias, chronic constrictive pericarditis, or AV block- may do more harm than good. Be sure your veterinarian has an extensive history of your pet's heart problems.

Use caution when administering this drug to pets with liver or kidney disease

Use caution when giving this drug to cats - Use with extreme caution and only with the recommendation of an experienced veterinarian when giving this drug to cats, especially those with feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Digoxin has a tendency to consistently cause an increase in oxygen requirements and serum levels.

Dose and Administration:

It is important to follow your Veterinarian's prescription instructions for your pet and do not adjust dosages without first consulting your Veterinarian.

Dog:

The usual dose for dogs is 0.0025mg-0.005mg/ lb of pet's body weight every 12 hours, on an empty stomach.

Digoxin should be given with lots of water.

Digoxin should be given to your pet at the same times every day

Cat:

The usual dose for cats is 0.0015mg- 0.002mg / lb of pet's body weight every 12 hours, on an empty stomach.

Digoxin should be given with lots of water.

Digoxin should be given to your pet at the same times every day