Digoxin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine treats hearts (congestive heart failure) by strengthening the pumping action. It is also used to slow the heart rate (pulse) in patients whose hearts are racing in a certain way (atrial fibrillation/flutter).

How does it work?

• Digoxin strengthens the heart by increasing calcium inside the cells of the heart. The heart can pump stronger and more effectively as a result. It decreases the number of electrical impulses that drive the heart rate (pulse) and this slows the speed down.

How is it best taken?

• Take separately from high bran fiber, otherwise, take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Take at a similar time every day.
• Swallow capsule whole.
• A liquid (elixir) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Do not take antacids, dietary bran fiber, sucralfate, cholestyramine, colestipol, or kaolin-pectin within 4-6 hours of this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider, particularly if you are taking amiodarone, verapamil, or quinidine.
• Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Confusion, especially in the elderly and patients with kidney disease.
• Anorexia, belly pain, and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Check heart rate (pulse). Can be taken daily before taking the medicine. Ask healthcare provider to teach you how to take your pulse.
• Check digoxin serum concentrations. Easiest to have blood drawn in the morning before daily dose (just take dose after blood drawn). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider if you are taking a water pill.
• Watch for swelling of legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, exercise tolerance. If any of these worsen, talk with healthcare provider.
• Report a 3-5 pound weight gain if you have heart failure.
• Follow diet plan (low sodium if heart failure patient) as recommended. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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