Sign inBefore taking digoxin
Before taking digoxin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you have heart problems other than those being treated.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you have thyroid problems.
- If you have breathing problems.
- If you know you have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium or high levels of calcium.
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take digoxin
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take digoxin exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Digoxin is usually taken once a day.Try to take it at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you develop severe sickness, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or feel your heartbeat is extremely slow, you must contact your doctor. These are signs that the dose of digoxin may be too high for you.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking digoxin.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- Sometimes your doctor may do a blood test to check the level of digoxin in your body. If a blood test is being done for this reason your doctor may ask you to delay taking your dose until after the test is taken.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with digoxin.
Can digoxin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness | Getting up or moving slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few minutes before standing |
| Blurred or yellow vision | Make sure you can see clearly before driving or doing other tasks which could be dangerous if you were not able to see clearly |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods. If this continues or is severe, let your doctor know |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If this continues or is severe, let your doctor know |
| Skin rash | Discuss this with your doctor if it is troublesome |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store digoxin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Lanoxin® Tablets 0.25 mg, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2009, accessed June 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).