Overview

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis lanata) is a plant. It is the source of the modern drug, digoxin. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

The chemicals in foxglove can increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, change heart rate, and increase heart blood output. Chemicals taken from foxglove are used to make the prescription drug digoxin. Digitalis lanata is the major source of digoxin in the US.

People use foxglove for irregular heartbeat and heart failure. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

All parts of the foxglove plant are toxic. Any use requires monitoring by a medical professional.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). Taking foxglove by mouth may improve irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation or flutter. But it can also be severely poisonous.
  • Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Taking foxglove by mouth may improve CHF and CHF-related swelling. But it can also be severely poisonous.
There is interest in using foxglove for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Foxglove is unsafe. Any use requires monitoring by a healthcare professional. All plant parts are toxic and can lead to serious side effects and death. Deaths have occurred when foxglove was mistaken for comfrey.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Foxglove is unsafe. Any use requires monitoring by a healthcare professional. All plant parts are toxic and can lead to serious side effects and death. Deaths have occurred when foxglove was mistaken for comfrey.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Foxglove is unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Children: Taking foxglove by mouth is likely unsafe for children.

Kidney disease: People with kidney problems may not clear foxglove from their system very well. This can increase the chance of foxglove build-up and poisoning.

Interactions

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with FOXGLOVE

    Digoxin 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.

  • 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.

  • Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with FOXGLOVE

    Taking some antibiotics called tetracyclines with foxglove might increase the chance of side effects from foxglove.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with FOXGLOVE

    Foxglove might affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with FOXGLOVE

    Foxglove might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of foxglove might be. Foxglove is also unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

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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.

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