FOXGLOVE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Foxglove is a plant. Although the parts of the plant that grow above the ground can be used for medicine, foxglove is unsafe for self-medication. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Chemicals taken from foxglove are used to make a prescription drug called digoxin. Digitalis lanata is the major source of digoxin in the US.

Foxglove is most commonly used for heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF) and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). But it is not safe to use for any purpose.

How does it work ?

Foxglove contains chemicals from which the prescription medication digoxin (Lanoxin) is made. These chemicals can increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, change heart rate, and increase heart blood output.

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with FOXGLOVE
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Foxglove also seems to affect the heart. Taking foxglove along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take foxglove if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.
Quinine interacts with FOXGLOVE
Foxglove can affect the heart. Quinine can also affect the heart. Taking quinine along with foxglove might cause serious heart problems.

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with FOXGLOVE
Foxglove can affect the heart. Some antibiotics might increase how much foxglove the body absorbs. Increasing how much foxglove the body absorbs might increase the effects and side effects of foxglove.

Some antibiotics called macrolide antibiotics include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin.
Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with FOXGLOVE
Taking some antibiotics called tetracyclines with foxglove might increase the chance of side effects from foxglove.

Some tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
Stimulant laxatives interacts with FOXGLOVE
Foxglove can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives called stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the chance of side effects from foxglove.

Some stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and others.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with FOXGLOVE
Foxglove might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects from foxglove.

Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

View References

REFERENCES:

Bessen, H. A. Therapeutic and toxic effects of digitalis: William Withering, 1785. J.Emerg.Med. 1986;4(3):243-248. View abstract.

Brewer, L. A., III. The failing myocardium. Historical notes. Am.J Surg. 1984;147(6):712-718. View abstract.

Brustbauer, R. and Wenisch, C. [Bradycardiac atrial fibrillation after consuming herbal tea]. Dtsch.Med Wochenschr. 7-25-1997;122(30):930-932. View abstract.

Dickstein, E. S. and Kunkel, F. W. Foxglove tea poisoning. Am.J Med 1980;69(1):167-169. View abstract.

Friedman, P. L. and Smith, T. W. Foxglove and Fab: immunological approaches to digitalis intoxication. Int.J.Cardiol. 1983;3(2):237-240. View abstract.

Fujii, Y., Ikeda, Y., and Yamazaki, M. High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of secondary cardiac glycosides in Digitalis purpurea leaves. J Chromatogr. 10-6-1989;479(2):319-325. View abstract.

Hollman, A. Drugs for atrial fibrillation. Digoxin comes from Digitalis lanata. BMJ 4-6-1996;312(7035):912. View abstract.

Jowett, N. I. Foxglove poisoning. Hosp.Med 2002;63(12):758-759. View abstract.

Krikler, D. M. The foxglove, "The old woman from Shropshire" and William Withering. J Am.Coll.Cardiol. 1985;5(5 Suppl A):3A-9A. View abstract.

Lacassie, E., Marquet, P., Martin-Dupont, S., Gaulier, J. M., and Lachatre, G. A non-fatal case of intoxication with foxglove, documented by means of liquid chromatography-electrospray-mass spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 2000;45(5):1154-1158. View abstract.

Lee, T. C. Van Gogh's vision. Digitalis intoxication? JAMA 2-20-1981;245(7):727-729. View abstract.

Lugt, C. B. and Noordhoek-Ananias, L. Quantitative fluorimetric determination of the main cardiac glycosides in Digitalis purpurea leaves. Planta Med 1974;25(3):267-273. View abstract.

Mitchell, G. Foxed by the foxglove. Aust.Fam.Physician 1993;22(6):997-999. View abstract.

Omvik, P. [Foxglove poisoning]. Tidsskr.Nor Laegeforen. 5-30-1981;101(15):949-950. View abstract.

Ramlakhan, S. L. and Fletcher, A. K. It could have happened to Van Gogh: a case of fatal purple foxglove poisoning and review of the literature. Eur.J Emerg.Med 2007;14(6):356-359. View abstract.

Rich, S. A., Libera, J. M., and Locke, R. J. Treatment of foxglove extract poisoning with digoxin-specific Fab fragments. Ann.Emerg.Med 1993;22(12):1904-1907. View abstract.

Simpkiss, M. and Holt, D. Digitalis poisoning due to the accidental ingestion of foxglove leaves. Ther.Drug Monit. 1983;5(2):217. View abstract.

Thierry, S., Blot, F., Lacherade, J. C., Lefort, Y., Franzon, P., and Brun-Buisson, C. Poisoning with foxglove extract: favorable evolution without Fab fragments. Intensive Care Med 2000;26(10):1586. View abstract.

Wade, O. L. Digoxin 1785-1985. I. Two hundred years of digitalis. J.Clin.Hosp.Pharm. 1986;11(1):3-9. View abstract.

Yaginuma, M., Orimo, S., Kurosawa, T., Arai, M., and Hiyamuta, E. [Muscle weakness of the upper arms in the last trimester of administering digitalis]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1988;28(3):338-341. View abstract.

Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.

Chaggar PS, Shaw SM, Williams SG. Is foxglove effective in heart failure? Cardiovasc Ther. 2015 Aug;33(4):236-41. View abstract.

De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

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Janssen RM, Berg M, Ovakim DH. Two cases of cardiac glycoside poisoning from accidental foxglove ingestion. CMAJ. 2016;188(10):747-50. View abstract.

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Lehmann A, Späni S, Harings-Kaim A, Probst C, Christ A, Leuppi-Taegtmeyer AB. A case of intoxication with tea made from Digitalis purpurea. Glob Cardiol Sci Pract 2021;2021(1):e202102. View abstract.

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Negroni MS, Marengo A, Caruso D, et al. A case report of accidental intoxication following ingestion of foxglove confused with borage: High digoxinemia without major complications. Case Rep Cardiol. 2019;2019:9707428. View abstract.

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Atrial Fibrillation Center

Warning Signs of AFib

Living With Heart Failure

Living with Atrial Fibrillation

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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FOXGLOVE - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with FOXGLOVE

Quinine interacts with FOXGLOVE

Moderate Interaction

Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with FOXGLOVE

Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with FOXGLOVE

Stimulant laxatives interacts with FOXGLOVE

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with FOXGLOVE

Dosing

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