Digoxin--a redundant drug in congestive cardiac failure

Abstract

Controversy continues concerning the use of digoxin as a positive inotropic agent in the treatment of heart failure in patients in sinus rhythm. Digoxin is properly used to control the heart rate in patients in atrial fibrillation. The findings from 14 uncontrolled and 6 controlled clinical trials have been examined. Digoxin does exert a small chronic positive inotropic effect. Although some individual patients, particularly those with fluid overload, appear to benefit from digoxin, controlled clinical trials in patients, most of whom have been treated with diuretics, have failed to demonstrate an increase of exercise capacity. No mortality trial has been attempted. Digoxin has the potential to be harmful in patients with ischemic heart disease. Alternative and safer therapies have been shown to be equal or superior to digoxin.