Effect of gentamicin on serum digoxin level in patients with congestive heart failure.
OBJECTIVE
Gentamicin is frequently used to treat infectious diseases in patients receiving digitalis therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of gentamicin on serum digoxin level.


METHODS
Twenty-four diabetic patients and patients with congestive heart failure and twelve normal healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. The patients received digoxin treatment 0.25 mg/day. Gentamicin in a dose of 80 mg i.m. twice a day for 7 days was prescribed for these patients to treat chest infection. Serum digoxin and creatinine levels were determined before and after gentamicin administration.


RESULTS
Gentamicin induced a significant increase in serum digoxin level of diabetic patients and patients with congestive heart failure. Serum creatinine level increased significantly before and after i.m. injection of gentamicin.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicated that increase serum digoxin level when combined with gentamicin should be considered a risk factor for digitalis toxicity.
Alkadi
Hussien Omer
HO
Pharmacology and Therapeutic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Member of ESCP, P.O. Box 13276, Sana'a, Yemen. hussien62@yahoo.com
Nooman
Majed Alwan
MA
Raja'a
Yahia Ahmed
YA
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004077:Digoxin / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D004077:Digoxin; D003404:Creatinine