Digoxin

About digoxin

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 slowing an overactive heart and may also correct irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm.

Digoxin also strengthens the force of the heartbeat, which is why it is useful in heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced.

Before 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.

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