Digoxin

About Digoxin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as cardiac glycosides.

Digoxin is used to treat arrhythmias and heart failure. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heartbeat, which causes the heart to skip a beat, beat irregularly or beat at the wrong speed. Digoxin works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart, especially after a heart attack.

Digoxin also strengthens the force of the heartbeat, which is why it is useful in heart failure.

Digoxin is available in tablet, oral liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Lanoxin; Lanoxin PG. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Digoxin

Before taking digoxin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have had any other heart problems, other than those being treated
• if you suffer from kidney or thyroid problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Digoxin

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take digoxin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take digoxin at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of digoxin take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• Do not take indigestion remedies or dietary fibre supplements at the same time of day as digoxin. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of digoxin.
• Digoxin is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of digoxin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside drug digoxin.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Do not stop taking digoxin without checking with your doctor first.
• Important: Carry on taking digoxin regularly, even if you begin to feel better. Stopping this treatment can cause your symptoms to return.
• The following people are more likely to have lower than average potassium levels: the elderly; people on a poor or restricted diet; insulin dependent diabetics or people taking diuretics (water tablets). These individuals should be aware of the signs of an overdose and consult their doctor if they notice any unusual symptoms. Some early signs of an overdose are severe sickness or diarrhoea, loss of appetite or an extremely slow heartbeat.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking digoxin.
• Sometimes your doctor may do a blood test to check the levels of digoxin in your system. If a blood test is being done for this reason your doctor may ask you to delay the morning dose until after the blood sample is taken.
• Digoxin can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.

Can Digoxin cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Loss of appetite, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, tummy pain, problems with eye sight, headache, tiredness, drowsiness, confusion, seeing things that aren't real, depression, rash or a fluttering heart beat.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Digoxin

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/07/2003