Drug interactions
Digoxin + Ephedrine
Severity: Moderate
Digoxin and Ephedrine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Ephedrine may provoke arrhythmias in patients on digoxin through additive cardiac stimulation. Beta-agonist effects can also lower serum potassium, increasing digoxin sensitivity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin and Ephedrine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular; Ephedrine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Sympathomimetic stimulation increases myocardial excitability and may shift potassium into cells, enhancing digoxin proarrhythmic effects.
What to do
Monitor ECG and serum potassium when ephedrine is given, particularly with repeated or high doses. Avoid ephedrine when other options exist in patients with digoxin toxicity risk.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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
Other interactions of Ephedrine
- Ephedrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Ephedrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Digoxin with Ephedrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Digoxin and Ephedrine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ephedrine may provoke arrhythmias in patients on digoxin through additive cardiac stimulation. Beta-agonist effects can also lower serum potassium, increasing digoxin sensitivity.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin and Ephedrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and serum potassium when ephedrine is given, particularly with repeated or high doses. Avoid ephedrine when other options exist in patients with digoxin toxicity risk.
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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