The comparative cardiovascular effects of digoxin and food alone and in combination in normal males

• Published in: European journal of clinical pharmacology Vol. 29; no. 6; p. 685
• Main Authors: Burgess, C D, Crane, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.01.1986
• Subjects: Adult; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Digoxin - pharmacology; Electrocardiography; Food; Heart Rate - drug effects; Hemodynamics - drug effects; Humans; Male
• ISSN: 0031-6970
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00615959

The effects of the ingestion of food and digoxin on the cardiovascular system alone and in combination have been observed in eight healthy subjects. A positive inotropic response was seen following food (2.5 MJ) and intravenous digoxin (0.01 mg/kg) with significant decreases in QS2Index (QS2I) pre-ejection period (PEP) and PEP/LVET (LVET - left ventricular ejection time). These responses were potentiated when food and digoxin were combined. Opposing effects of food and digoxin on % diastole (%D) and diastolic time were observed, food decreasing %D and DT while digoxin increased these variables. Both food and digoxin decreased T-wave amplitude, and digoxin alone or in combination with food decreased QTc. The positive inotropic effect of a 2.5 MJ mixed meal and a loading dose of digoxin in healthy subjects are of similar degree, different mechanism, and are potentiated in combination.