Digoxin

Common brand names: Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin

Why is digoxin prescribed?
Digoxin helps an injured or weakened heart to work efficiently and to send blood through the body. It strengthens the force of the heart muscle's contractions, helps restore a normal, steady heart rhythm; and improves blood circulation. Digoxin can be used for different reasons as determined by your doctor

When should digoxin be used?
Digoxin is usually taken once a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not understand. This medicine should be taken on a regular schedule.

If you take this drug once a day, take it at the same time every day. One way to stay on schedule is to take your dose when you do something else routinely, such as brushing your teeth in the morning. NEVER stop taking digoxin without consulting your doctor. You will probably have to take digoxin for a long time, possibly for the rest of your life.

How should it be used?
Digoxin comes in tablets, pediatric elixir (oral liquid), and liquid-filled capsules (Lanoxicaps). Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. The pediatric elixir comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. If you have difficulty, ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Take digoxin exactly as your doctor has directed. Do not take more or less at each dose than has been instructed. While you are taking digoxin, your doctor might ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) every day. Your pharmacist or doctor can also show you how to check your pulse and tell you how rapid it should be. If your pulse is slower than it should be, contact your doctor to find out whether you should continue taking digoxin.

If you develop an illness with vomiting or diarrhea, the amount of digoxin absorbed into your bloodstream and reaching your heart can be affected. If you go to another doctor for such an illness, tell that doctor that you are taking digoxin.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to digoxin can be monitored. You might have electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood tests periodically, and your dose might need to be adjusted.

Digoxin might cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Be sure that you always have enough of this medicine on hand. Check your supply before vacations, holidays, and other occasions when you might be unable to obtain digoxin.

What special dietary instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Your doctor might recommend a low-sodium (low-salt) diet and a potassium supplement. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a list of foods that are low in sodium and high in potassium. Choose these foods when planning meals.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose if you remember within six to eight hours of the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose. If you forget to take two or more doses in a row, contact your doctor for instructions.

What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from digoxin are not common, these can occur:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in vision, such as flashes or flickering of light, sensitivity to light, seeing things larger or smaller than they are, blurring, color changes (yellow or green), and seeing halos or borders on objects
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Depression
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Irregular heart beat or changes in pulse (slow heart rate)

If you have side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Your dose might need to be changed. Once you and your doctor have determined the correct dose, you usually will not experience side effects if you take digoxin exactly as prescribed.

If you experience any other side effects that you think could be caused by this medicine and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.

What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?
Tell your doctor if you have ever taken digoxin or digitoxin and what reaction you had to it. Your general state of health can affect the way digoxin works. Tell your doctor about your health, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are receiving radiation therapy or cancer chemotherapy. Discuss your entire medical history, especially heart, kidney, lung, or thyroid problems.

Before you take digoxin, tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are currently taking, including vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, and other prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Certain drugs can decrease the effect of digoxin or increase it to a potentially dangerous level.

Do not take any new drugs without your doctor's permission. If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take it at least two hours after digoxin to prevent interactions. If you are taking aminosalicylic acid (PAS), antacids, kaolin-pectin, milk of magnesia, or sulfasalazine, take it as far apart as possible from digoxin.

Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you are taking digoxin. Never share your medicine with anyone.

What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?

• Store digoxin its original container, with the lid tightly closed.
• Keep it and other medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store digoxin at room temperature.
• Never take outdated medicines. Some prescription labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medicine label or if you are unsure how old a drug is, call your pharmacy.

This handout summarizes information to help you understand and safely take your medicine. Other information--not included in this handout--might be important for you to know because of your unique health status. Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information on the medicines prescribed for you and your unique health care needs.