Drug interactions
Digoxin + Vancomycin
Severity: Minor
Digoxin and Vancomycin: minor 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
Oral vancomycin may alter gut flora, including Eubacterium lentum, which inactivates digoxin, so digoxin exposure could rise. Clinical reports are sparse and the effect is likely small, but digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin and Vancomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Reduced intestinal bacterial metabolism of digoxin may increase its absorption.
What to do
Monitor for digoxin toxicity symptoms and check serum digoxin concentration if prolonged oral vancomycin is given. Adjust the digoxin dose as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
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 Digoxin with Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Digoxin and Vancomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral vancomycin may alter gut flora, including Eubacterium lentum, which inactivates digoxin, so digoxin exposure could rise. Clinical reports are sparse and the effect is likely small, but digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin and Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for digoxin toxicity symptoms and check serum digoxin concentration if prolonged oral vancomycin is given. Adjust the digoxin dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Vancomycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vancomycin with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Vancomycin page.
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