Drug Interactions between digitoxin and Rolaids Regular Strength

MONITOR: Excessive administration of calcium can aggravate digitalis toxicity and precipitate serious cardiac arrhythmias in digitalised patients. The mechanism probably involves additive or synergistic inotropic effects of calcium and digitalis glycosides on the myocardium.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if calcium preparations are used in patients receiving digitalis glycosides. Patients should be advised not to exceed the calcium dosage prescribed for them and to consult their healthcare provider before consuming additional products that may contain substantial amounts of calcium (e.g., over-the-counter supplements).

Concurrent administration of antacids may decrease the oral bioavailability of digoxin and digitoxin. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. In ten healthy volunteers, administration of a single 0.75 mg dose of digoxin with 60 mL of antacid containing either 4% aluminum hydroxide gel, 8% magnesium hydroxide gel, or 8% magnesium trisilicate resulted in significantly reduced urinary excretion of digoxin (expressed as the percentage of original dose recovered) compared to administration without antacid. Specifically, the cumulative six-day urinary digoxin excretion was 40.1% for control, 30.7% for aluminum hydroxide, 27.1% for magnesium hydroxide, and 29.1% for magnesium trisilicate. In an in vitro study involving absorption across a physiological membrane, cumulative absorption of digoxin 0.25 mg was reduced 11.4% by aluminum hydroxide gel, 15.3% by light magnesium carbonate, and 99.5% by magnesium trisilicate. In a case report, an approximately 50% reduction in digoxin systemic exposure (AUC) was observed when digoxin was administered with 30 mL of an aluminum-magnesium hydroxide antacid and mexiletine. The interaction was attributed to the antacid, as mexiletine is not known to interact with digoxin. Some data also support a potential interaction with digitoxin. However, other studies have found no evidence of a significant interaction between digoxin and various antacids. Based on existing evidence, no special precautions appear necessary, although patients may consider separating the times of administration by 1 to 2 hours if an interaction is suspected.