#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Digoxin

Digoxin, a medication traditionally used for heart conditions, is being investigated in various clinical trials for its potential in treating different diseases. These trials explore digoxin’s effects on heart rhythm disorders, cancer, and liver disease, as well as its interactions with other medications. The research aims to uncover new applications and improve our understanding of this versatile drug.

Table of Contents

What is Digoxin?

Digoxin is a medication that has been used in medicine for many years. It’s also known by other names such as Lanoxin, DIGOXIN Juvisé, or Lenoxin Mite[1][2]. This drug is primarily used to treat various heart conditions, but researchers are also exploring its potential in treating other diseases.

Medical Uses of Digoxin

Digoxin is commonly prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Heart Failure: It helps improve the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively[3].
  • Atrial Fibrillation: This is a type of irregular heartbeat where digoxin can help control the heart rate[4].
  • Arrhythmia: Digoxin can help regulate various types of abnormal heart rhythms[5].

How Digoxin Works

Digoxin works by affecting the way your heart beats. It helps the heart pump more strongly and with a more regular rhythm. This is particularly useful in conditions where the heart is not pumping efficiently (heart failure) or is beating irregularly (atrial fibrillation)[4].

Administration and Dosage

Digoxin can be given in different ways:

  • Oral tablets: Usually taken once daily. The dose is often 0.25 mg, but this can vary depending on your specific condition and other factors[3].
  • Intravenous (IV) injection: This method is typically used in hospital settings for more urgent situations[2].

It’s crucial to take digoxin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose is carefully calculated based on factors like your kidney function, age, and other medications you might be taking[6].

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, digoxin can cause side effects. Some potential side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Vision changes, such as seeing yellow or green halos around objects
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat

It’s important to monitor digoxin levels in your blood regularly to ensure they stay within the safe and effective range. Too much digoxin can lead to toxicity, which can be dangerous[2].

Drug Interactions

Digoxin can interact with several other medications. It’s crucial to inform your doctor about all the medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some notable interactions include:

  • Certain antibiotics can increase digoxin levels in your blood.
  • Some blood pressure medications may affect how your body processes digoxin.
  • Certain medications for heart rhythm problems can interact with digoxin[6].

Ongoing Research and Potential New Uses

Scientists are exploring new potential uses for digoxin beyond heart conditions:

  • Cancer Treatment: Some studies are investigating whether digoxin could help in treating certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. It may help break up clusters of circulating tumor cells, which are thought to be involved in the spread of cancer[1].
  • Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: Researchers are studying whether digoxin could help reduce inflammation in patients with severe alcohol-related liver disease[2].
  • Pregnancy Termination: In some specific medical situations, digoxin is being studied for its potential use in second-trimester pregnancy terminations[5].

It’s important to note that these are areas of ongoing research, and digoxin is not currently approved for these uses. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding the use of any medication.

Aspect Details
Traditional Use Heart conditions (atrial fibrillation, heart failure)
New Potential Applications Cancer treatment, alcohol-associated hepatitis
Administration Methods Oral tablets, intravenous injection
Dosage Considerations Based on age, weight, kidney function
Monitored Effects Heart rhythm, kidney function, electrolyte balance
Trial Durations Vary from weeks to months
Key Research Areas Interaction with other drugs, effects on tumor cells, inflammatory responses

FAQ

  • What is digoxin primarily used for? Digoxin is primarily used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. It helps regulate heart rhythm and improve the heart's pumping ability.
  • Are there any new potential uses for digoxin being studied? Yes, clinical trials are exploring digoxin's potential in treating various cancers, including breast cancer and medulloblastoma, as well as its use in alcohol-associated hepatitis.
  • How is digoxin administered in clinical trials? Digoxin can be administered orally as tablets or intravenously, depending on the specific trial and condition being studied. Dosages are carefully calculated based on factors such as age, weight, and kidney function.
  • What are some of the side effects being monitored in digoxin trials? Researchers are monitoring for potential side effects such as changes in heart rhythm, kidney function, and electrolyte imbalances. They also track any adverse events that may occur during the trials.
  • How long do digoxin clinical trials typically last? The duration of digoxin clinical trials varies widely, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specific study objectives and the condition being investigated.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Digoxin

  • Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of Zipalertinib for Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Specific EGFR Mutations

    Recruiting

    1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Germany Italy Spain

  • Study on the Effects of Digoxin and Activated Charcoal in Treating Heart Failure in Patients Receiving Standard Care

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Portugal

  • Study on Digoxin and Sodium Iodide (123 I) for Patients with Advanced Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study on Digoxin for Reducing Heart Failure Hospitalizations and Mortality in Outpatients with Chronic Heart Failure

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

Glossary

  • Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart.
  • Bioequivalence: The absence of a significant difference in the rate and extent to which the active ingredient becomes available at the site of drug action.
  • Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs): Cancer cells that have detached from a tumor and are found in the bloodstream.
  • Cytokines: Small proteins important in cell signaling, particularly in immune responses.
  • Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD): A form of cell death that stimulates an immune response against dead-cell antigens.
  • Medulloblastoma: A type of cancerous brain tumor that starts in the lower back part of the brain.
  • Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.
  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp): A protein that pumps foreign substances out of cells, affecting how some medications are absorbed and distributed in the body.
  • Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Unstable molecules containing oxygen that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA.
  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP): A variation in a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide, which may affect an individual's response to certain drugs.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03928210
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05014087
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06546215
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02167165
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01951079
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01357811