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Does Vitamin D3 Interact With Digoxin?
I am taking Sulfasalazine for anklosing spondylitis, have had a ablation procedure for tachycardia. prior to the ablation I had high blood pressure for the last 15 years. I now have normal blood pressure but still have episodes of elevated pulse rate from 100 to 125. I cannot take the metoprolol I was given because it lowers my blood pressure below 100/60. So the doctor has prescribed digoxin. I also take Vitamin d3, and folic acid per doctors orders. I am 70, female and otherwise in good condition. I also take tylenol at times for the spondylitis symptoms. I am concerned about drug, food, vitamin interactions with digoxin. I have had a heart scan and monitor tests. All appeared normal, although I had elevated pulse rates about 8 times during 24 hour period but they did not last but a few seconds to a minute. Can you advise me on the interactions. Also, Can i have caffeine or wine with digoxin? thank you
Thu, 26 Apr 2018
Hello,
It is not safe to take Vitamin D3 alcohol or caffeine while on Digoxin.
1. Vitamin D3 can increase the levels of calcium (hypercalcemia) in your body. Calcium and Digoxin have additive inotropic effects (increased the force of contraction of heart muscles). Therefore, hypercalcemia will predispose to Digoxin toxicity and serious arrhythmias.
If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent blood tests to monitor calcium and Digoxin levels. You should use Vitamin D3 exactly as directed and avoid large increases in your daily dietary calcium intake while using Vitamin D3.
You should consult your doctor if you experience symptoms that could indicate high blood calcium, such as weakness, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, bone or muscle pain,frequent urination, and weight loss.
2. Digoxin can cause sleepiness, confusion and problems with balance. Consuming alcohol (wine) while on Digoxin could worsen these side effects. For best results, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Digoxin.
3. Excessive caffeine consumption (drinking three or more cups of coffee/day) causes the heart to beat abnormally, the abnormal heart rhythm can persist even after the body levels of caffeine are very low or even absent.
If consumed while on Digoxin, the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmia can increase hence excessive caffeine consumption should be avoided.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
It is not safe to take Vitamin D3 alcohol or caffeine while on Digoxin.
1. Vitamin D3 can increase the levels of calcium (hypercalcemia) in your body. Calcium and Digoxin have additive inotropic effects (increased the force of contraction of heart muscles). Therefore, hypercalcemia will predispose to Digoxin toxicity and serious arrhythmias.
If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent blood tests to monitor calcium and Digoxin levels. You should use Vitamin D3 exactly as directed and avoid large increases in your daily dietary calcium intake while using Vitamin D3.
You should consult your doctor if you experience symptoms that could indicate high blood calcium, such as weakness, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, bone or muscle pain,frequent urination, and weight loss.
2. Digoxin can cause sleepiness, confusion and problems with balance. Consuming alcohol (wine) while on Digoxin could worsen these side effects. For best results, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Digoxin.
3. Excessive caffeine consumption (drinking three or more cups of coffee/day) causes the heart to beat abnormally, the abnormal heart rhythm can persist even after the body levels of caffeine are very low or even absent.
If consumed while on Digoxin, the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmia can increase hence excessive caffeine consumption should be avoided.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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