When is digoxin used?

• A. In Hypertension to Lower Blood Pressure
• B. For Stable Angina
• C. For Kidney Disease
• D. In Heart Failure to Increase CO and in AF to Reduce HR

Answer: (C)

Digoxin is used to make the heart pump more effectively and to slow the heart rate in atrial fibrillation. It works by increasing the amount of calcium inside heart muscle cells, which strengthens each beat (inotropy). At the same time, it has a vagal effect that slows conduction through the AV node, helping control the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation with rapid responses. Because of this, it’s indicated in heart failure to boost cardiac output and in AF to reduce the heart rate. It is not used to treat hypertension, stable angina, or kidney disease. In kidney disease, digoxin dosing must be adjusted because the drug is renally cleared, and toxicity risk rises with impaired clearance, but the drug does not treat kidney disease itself. Monitor for signs of toxicity (nausea, confusion, vision changes, arrhythmias) and keep an eye on renal function and electrolytes.