Unidigin
Unidigin - General Information
A cardiac glycoside sometimes used in place of digoxin. It has a longer half-life than digoxin; toxic effects, which are similar to those of digoxin, are longer lasting. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p665)
Pharmacology of Unidigin
Unidigin is a cardiac glycoside sometimes used in place of DIGOXIN. It has a longer half-life than digoxin; toxic effects, which are similar to those of digoxin, are longer lasting (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p665). Unlike digoxin (which is eliminated from the body via the kidneys), it is eliminated via the liver, so could be used in patients with poor or erratic kidney function. However, it is now rarely used in current UK medical practice. While there have been several controlled trials which have shown digoxin to be effective in a proportion of patients treated for heart failure, there is not the same strong evidence base for digitoxin, although it is presumed to be similarly effective.
Additional information about Unidigin
Unidigin Indication: For the treatment and management of congestive cardiac insufficiency, arrhythmias and heart failure.
Mechanism Of Action: Unidigin inhibits the Na-K-ATPase membrane pump, resulting in an increase in intracellular sodium and calcium concentrations. Increased intracellular concentrations of calcium may promote activation of contractile proteins (e.g., actin, myosin). Unidigin also acts on the electrical activity of the heart, increasing the slope of phase 4 depolarization, shortening the action potential duration, and decreasing the maximal diastolic potential.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Avoid bran and high fiber foods within 2 hours of taking this medication.
Avoid excess salt/sodium unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium.
Avoid milk, calcium containing dairy products, iron, antacids, or aluminum salts 2 hours before or 6 hours after using antacids while on this medication.
Limit garlic, ginger, gingko, and horse chestnut.
Avoid avocado.
Generic Name: Digitoxin
Synonyms: Digitoxinum; Digitoxoside; Digitoksin; Digitalin
Drug Category: Cardiotonic Agents; Antiarrhythmic Agents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Digitoxin: Crystodigin; Unidigin; Tardigal;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Digitoxin exhibits similar toxic effects to the more-commonly used digoxin, namely: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Hepatic.
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Unidigin: Liquid Oral
Liquid Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 4-[(3S,5R,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3-[(2R,4S,5S,6R)-5-[(2S,4S,5S,6R)-5-[(2S,4S,5S,6R)-4,5-dihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-4-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-14-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-5H-furan-2-one
Chemical Formula: C41H64O13
Digitoxin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitoxin
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
