Health's Book

Definition

Digitalis is a medication prescribed to certain heart patients. Digitalis toxicity is a complication of digitalis therapy, or it may be occur when someone takes more than a large amount of the drug at one time. (This is called an acute ingestion.)

The most common prescription form of this medication is called digoxin. Digitoxin is another form of digitalis.

Symptoms

* Confusion
* Irregular pulse
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
* Palpitations
* Visual changes (unusual)
o Blind spots in vision
o Blurred vision
o Changes in color perception
o Halos or rings of light around objects
o Seeing lights or bright spots

Additional symptoms that may be associated with digitalis toxicity include:

* Decreased consciousness
* Decreased urine output
* Difficulty breathing when lying down
* Excessive nighttime urination
* Overall swelling