Digoxin

Drug Name

Digoxin is a digitalis glycoside that increases the force of contraction of the heart and used for treating heart failure. Digoxin is used in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm.

How it is taken

Digoxin can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Digoxin is a digitalis glycoside that increases the force of contraction of the heart and slows down the heart rate.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Digoxin, then you may take it within 12 hours and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or allergic to any ingredient in Digoxin or other digitalis medicines, Beriberi heart disease, have certain types of heart rhythm problems, such as ventricular fibrillation.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, excessive urination, headache, increased cough, nasal inflammation, nausea. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, diarrhea, dry mouth or unusual thirst, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, muscle pain or cramps, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rectal bleeding, restlessness, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

If you have any questions about Digoxin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Digoxin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.