Previous Page | Next Page
Drug / Herb Interactions
It's important to watch for potential interactions with HERBS in patients on digoxin.
Hawthorn leaf is useful for MILD heart failure and angina.
It increases coronary blood flow and contractility.
In fact, hawthorn is sometimes used to augment digoxin's effects.. .but patients need to be closely monitored for hypotension, tachycardia, and sedation.
Psyllium (Metamucil, etc) may reduce the GI absorption of digoxin. Advise patients to separate doses by at least 3 hours.
Herbal laxatives and diuretics (cascara, guarana, etc) can deplete potassium.. . and increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Licorice root (glycyrrhiza) has aldosterone-like effects... leading to sodium retention, hypokalemia, and hypertension.
Most licorice candies DON'T contain glycyrrhiza.
Ginseng, ma huang, and yohirrthine can increase blood pressure.
Many herbs contain cardiac glycosides similar to digoxin. Warn digoxin patients not to take foxglove.. . lily-of-the-valley. . .milkweed
or pheasant's eye.
If patients have symptoms of digoxin toxicity consider whether they might be taking an herb that's causing an interaction
Previous Page | Next Page
Return to the Perry
Hookman, M.D., P.A. Home Page