Digitoxin

About Digitoxin

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

Digitoxin works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart, especially after a heart attack.

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

Digitoxin is available in tablet form.

Before Taking Digitoxin

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from beri-beri (a deficiency disease caused by lack of vitamin B1)
• if you have had any other heart problems, other than those being treated
• if you suffer from kidney, liver 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 such as St John’s Wort

How to Take Digitoxin

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take digitoxin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take digitoxin at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of digitoxin 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 digitoxin. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of digitoxin.
• Digitoxin 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 digitoxin 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 digitoxin.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked. 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.
• Do not stop taking digitoxin without checking with your doctor first.
• Important: Carry on taking digitoxin regularly, even if you begin to feel better. Stopping this treatment can cause your symptoms to return.
• The effects of digitoxin may be increased if potassium levels in your blood decrease.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking digitoxin.
• Digitoxin 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 Digitoxin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause side effects, but they usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

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

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.

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

How to store Digitoxin

• 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