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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
CHF with atrial fibrillation / supraventricular tachyarrhythmias — drug of choice for the arrhythmia component; adjunct (with diuretics ± ACE inhibitor) in DCM
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: CHF with atrial fibrillation / supraventricular tachyarrhythmias — drug of choice for the arrhythmia component; adjunct (with diuretics ± ACE inhibitor) in DCM — Extra-label (human drug)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dilated cardiomyopathy, advanced AV valve insufficiency; relatively contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
CatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Dilated cardiomyopathy, advanced AV valve insufficiency; relatively contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — Extra-label
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens4
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects96
Any arrhythmia (AV block, bigeminy, ST changes, paroxysmal tachycardia with block, multifocal VPCs) — Toxic-range levels; can mimic worsening heart disease
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
GI: anorexia, mild upset, weight loss, diarrhea — Usually first extracardiac signs
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Vomiting after IV dosing — Expected, not alarming
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Death10 reports
- Vomiting6 reports
- Anorexia5 reports
- Death by euthanasia3 reports
- Seizure NOS3 reports
- Weakness3 reports
- Abdominal mass2 reports
- Balance problem2 reports
- Convulsion2 reports
- Cough2 reports
- Diarrhoea2 reports
- Hypotension2 reports
Cat
- Death2 reports
- Death by euthanasia2 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS2 reports
- Agitation1 reports
- Anorexia1 reports
- Azotaemia1 reports
- Constipation1 reports
- Neurological signs NOS1 reports
- Vomiting1 reports
Monitoring1
Serum digoxin levels strongly recommended (narrow index): dog target trough 0.8–1.2(–2.5) ng/mL, drawn ≥6 days after start (no loading); cat 0.9–2 ng/mL at 8–10 h post-dose. ECG, renal/electrolyte values, body weight (lean)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Ventricular fibrillation; digitalis intoxication; feline HCM (relatively — ↑ myocardial O₂ demand, dynamic outflow obstruction)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions6
Glomerulonephritis + heart failure; idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Severe pulmonary disease/hypoxia, acute myocarditis, acute MI, frequent VPCs/V-tach, constrictive pericarditis, incomplete AV block; renal disease (monitor levels); electrolyte/acid-base disturbances (hypoK, hyperCa ↑ toxicity)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
MDR1/ABCB1 mutant dogs: WSU does NOT recommend dose reduction — but do therapeutic drug monitoring
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pimobendan has largely replaced digoxin as first-line inotrope — digoxin's remaining niche is rate control of atrial fibrillation and adjunctive DCM therapy.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Acute IV toxic dose in dogs reported at 0.177 mg/kg. Toxicity management: stop drug, correct electrolytes/acid-base, continuous ECG; lidocaine or phenytoin for life-threatening arrhythmias; atropine for bradyarrhythmias; digoxin immune Fab (digibind) for life-threatening toxicity (expensive, rare veterinary use); repeated activated charcoal (enterohepatic recirculation).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Hypokalemia-causing drugs (diuretics) — ↑ digoxin toxicity risk
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Quinidine, amiodarone, verapamil, spironolactone & many others — ↑ digoxin levels — enhanced monitoring whenever any new drug is added
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Anticholinergic antiarrhythmics (quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide) — Blunted control of ventricular response rate
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
P-glycoprotein inhibitors — ↑ levels (digoxin is a P-gp substrate)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Absorption — Variable by form; food delays not reduces (cats: −50% with tablets+food)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — ~20–30%
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — Dog 14–56 h; Cat 30–173 h
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Minimal; renal elimination (filtration + secretion)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Distribution — Poor into fat and ascitic fluid
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Human FDA category C, but Papich 1989 canine/feline pregnancy class A (probably safe). Milk levels ≈ maternal serum; unlikely to affect nursing offspring.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 400–403; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 242–243 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references20
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Digoxin Derivative BD-8 Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in an LPS-Induced Experimental Model.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Quantifying Transporter Activity: An Absolute Scaling Approach Using Digoxin.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- [Translated article] Gender perspective in medication-related problems resulting in emergency department attendance involving high-alert medications.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Functional Characterization of the Cat and Dog Wild-Type and Mutant MDR1 Carrier Proteins and Frequency of the MDR1 Gene Mutation in 800 Cats From Germany.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Safety evaluation of targeted osmotic lysis therapy in Beagles.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
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