The comparative cardiovascular effects of digoxin and food alone and in combination in normal males.

The effects of the ingestion of food and digoxin on the cardiovascular system alone and in combination have been observed in eight healthy subjects. A positive inotropic response was seen following food (2.5 MJ) and intravenous digoxin (0.01 mg/kg) with significant decreases in QS2Index (QS2I) pre-ejection period (PEP) and PEP/LVET (LVET - left ventricular ejection time). These responses were potentiated when food and digoxin were combined. Opposing effects of food and digoxin on % diastole (%D) and diastolic time were observed, food decreasing %D and DT while digoxin increased these variables. Both food and digoxin decreased T-wave amplitude, and digoxin alone or in combination with food decreased QTc. The positive inotropic effect of a 2.5 MJ mixed meal and a loading dose of digoxin in healthy subjects are of similar degree, different mechanism, and are potentiated in combination.