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Digitek |
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What is Digitek and why is it prescribed? Digitek is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, certain types of irregular heartbeat, and other heart problems. It improves the strength and efficiency of your heart, which leads to better circulation of blood and reduction of the uncomfortable swelling that is common in people with congestive heart failure. Digitek is usually prescribed along with a water pill and a drug called an ACE inhibitor. It belongs to a class of drugs known as digitalis glycosides. You should not stop taking Digitek without first consulting your doctor. A sudden absence of the drug could cause a serious change in your heart function. How should you take Digitek? Follow your doctors directions for taking Digitek. Digitek usually is taken once daily. To help you remember your dose, try to take it at the same time every day, for instance when brushing your teeth in the morning or going to bed at night. Digitek is available in tablet, capsule, liquid, and injectable forms. If you are taking the liquid form, use the specially marked dropper that comes with it. It's best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. However, if this upsets your stomach, you can take Digitek with food. Avoid taking this medicine with high-bran/high-fiber foods, such as certain breakfast cereals. Do not change from one brand of this drug to another without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse rate while taking Digitek. Slowing or quickening of your pulse could mean you are developing side effects to your prescribed dose. The amount of Digitek needed to help most people is very close to the amount that could cause serious problems from overdose, so monitoring your pulse can be very important. If you miss a dose and you remember within 12 hours, take it immediately. If you remember later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. If you miss doses 2 or more days in a row, consult your doctor. Store Digitek at room temperature in the container it came in, tightly closed, and away from moist places and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Digitalis-type drugs such as Digitek are a major cause of accidental poisoning in the young. Are there any Digitek side effects? Digitek side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Digitek side effects may include apathy, blurred vision, breast development in males, change in heartbeat, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, lower stomach pain, nausea, psychosis, rash, vomiting, weakness, and yellow vision. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Digitek? If Digitek is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. In general, you should avoid nonprescription medicines, such as antacids; laxatives; cough, cold, and allergy remedies; and diet aids, except on professional advice. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Digitek with Airway-opening drugs (such as Proventil and Ventolin), Alprazolam (Xanax), Amiloride (Midamor), Amiodarone (Cordarone), Antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta), Antibiotics (such as neomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and clarithromycin), Beta-blocking blood pressure drugs (such as Tenormin and Inderal), Calcium (injectable form), Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs (such as Calan SR, Cardizem, and Procardia), Certain anticancer drugs (such as Neosar), Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Diphenoxylate (Lomotil), Disopyramide (Norpace), Heartbeat-regulating drugs (such as Quinidex), Indomethacin (Indocin), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Kaolin-pectin, Metoclopramide (Reglan), Propafenone (Rythmol), Propantheline (Pro-Banthine), Rifampin (Rifadin), Spironolactone (Aldactone), Steroids (such as Decadron and Deltasone), Succinylcholine (Anectine), Sucralfate (Carafate), Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), Thyroid hormones (such as Synthroid), or Water pills (such as Lasix). Are there any special warnings about Digitek? Your doctor will prescribe Digitek with caution, if at all, in the presence of certain heart disorders, including sinus node disease, AV block, certain disorders of the left ventricle, and "Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome." Caution is also advised if you have poor kidneys, a thyroid disorder, or an imbalance in your calcium, potassium, or magnesium levels. Tell the doctor that you are taking Digitek if you have a medical emergency and before you have surgery or dental treatment. Even if you have no symptoms, do not change your dose or discontinue the use of Digitek before consulting with your doctor. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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