Digoxin

Digoxin

What it's for

Digoxin

How it's used (previously Dosage and administration)

Digoxin

Side effects

Digoxin

Who it's for

Digoxin

Interactions

Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and some kinds of heart rhythm problem, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Digoxin usually comes as tablets or a liquid you swallow. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of digoxin include too much of the medicine building up in your body (toxicity), which can cause vision problems and heart palpitations.

Digoxin is suitable for most adults and is sometimes prescribed for children. But always check before using it because it's not suitable for everyone.

Taking digoxin with other medicines, such as steroids or indigestion medicines, can affect your medicine. Always check first.

What digoxin is for

Digoxin is a type of medicine called a cardiac glycoside. It helps your heart beat more strongly and can help control the rate it beats at.

It's used to treat:

• some types of heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia), such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
• heart failure

How to take digoxin

Digoxin usually comes as tablets or a liquid you swallow (oral solution).

Most people take it once a day, but how much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it.

You may need a high dose to start with (called a loading dose) and then a lower dose long term (maintenance dose).

Your doctor will explain your dose to you. You'll have regular blood tests to see how your body is responding to the medicine.

When taking digoxin:

• swallow tablets whole with a drink of water
• use the spoon or cup that comes with the liquid medicine to measure the correct dose
• try to take it at the same time each day
• you can take it with or without food

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Important

Do not stop taking digoxin unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking it, your condition may get worse.

If you miss a dose of digoxin

If you forget a dose of digoxin, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much digoxin

Taking an extra dose of digoxin can be dangerous.

Call NHS 111 if:

• you've taken more than your prescribed dose of digoxin

Information

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the digoxin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of digoxin

Like all medicines, digoxin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible serious side effects of digoxin can include:

• too much of the medicine building up in your body (toxicity) – causing symptoms such as a fast, slow or unsteady heartbeat, feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting), loss of appetite, confusion, dizziness, or vision problems such as things looking yellow
• heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) – causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or your heart feeling like it's pounding, racing, fluttering or missing a beat (palpitations)
• problems with your blood – this can make you bleed more easily, causing symptoms such as nosebleeds or bruising easily
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing

If you feel dizzy or have vision problems, do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery until these symptoms have stopped.

Call 999 if:

• you're taking digoxin and have chest pain, or think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

Who can and cannot use digoxin

Most adults can take digoxin. It's also sometimes prescribed for children.

But digoxin is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you have had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from digoxin or a similar medicine before
• you have recently had a heart attack,
• you have a condition that affects your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), the lining of your heart (myocarditis) or the way your heart beats (such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome)
• you have low levels of potassium or magnesium, or high levels of calcium in your blood
• you have kidney or thyroid problems, or severe lung problems

Before taking digoxin, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and digoxin

Digoxin can be used when breastfeeding.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and digoxin

Speak to a doctor if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Digoxin can be used during pregnancy if needed, but your doctor may recommend changing your dose.

Taking digoxin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with digoxin.

This includes:

• some medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems, such as verapamil, felodipine or beta blockers
• steroids
• medicines that make you pee more (diuretics)
• some types of laxative
• some types of antibiotic, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin and azithromycin
• some antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as a ibuprofen and aspirin
• medicines for indigestion, such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
• St John's wort, a herbal remedy

Before taking digoxin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with digoxin

You can eat and drink as normal when taking digoxin, but try to limit how much liquorice root you have as it can increase the effects of your medicine.

Foods high in fibre, such as bran, oats or wholewheat pasta, can affect how digoxin works. You can still eat these foods, but ask your doctor for advice.