Drug interactions
Carbenoxolone + Digoxin
Severity: Major
Carbenoxolone and Digoxin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like effects causing potassium loss and sodium retention. Resulting hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity and arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbenoxolone and Digoxin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Mineralocorticoid activity causes renal potassium wasting, enhancing myocardial sensitivity to digoxin.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; otherwise monitor potassium frequently and replace as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbenoxolone with Digoxin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbenoxolone and Digoxin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like effects causing potassium loss and sodium retention. Resulting hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity and arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Carbenoxolone and Digoxin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; otherwise monitor potassium frequently and replace as needed.
What other medicines interact with Digoxin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Digoxin with, for example, Lily of the valley, Squill, Adagrasib. The full list is on the Digoxin page.
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