Effect of some Antimicrobial Agents on Digoxin pharmacokinetics

The effect of erythromycin, oxytetracyclin, cephradine and gentamicin on serum digoxin concentration was studied in patients with congestive heart failure under digoxin treatment.This study included determination of serum digoxin levels, creatinine, liver function tests (total bilirubin, GPT, GOT, ALP and prothrombin time) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium,magnesium) before and after antimicrobial therapy.The studied patients were divided as follows:Group I received erythromycin stearate in a dose of 250 mg orally four times/day for 7 days.Group II received oxytetracycline in a dose of 250 mg orally four times/day for 7 days.Group III received cephradine in a dose of 500 mg orally four times/day for 7 days.Group IV received gentamicin in a dose of 80 mg l.M. twice/day for 6 days.Group V normal healthy volunteers as control.