What is digoxin?
Digoxin is derived from the leaves of a digitalis plant. Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm.
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure.
Digoxin is also used to treat atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder of the atria (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart).
Digoxin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about digoxin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to digoxin, or if you have ventricular fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).
Before using digoxin, tell your doctor if you have certain heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), or a recent history of heart attack. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood), or if you are malnourished or have recently been sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
Keep taking digoxin as directed, even if you feel well. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not stop taking digoxin without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if you are dehydrated.
There are many other drugs that can interact with digoxin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking digoxin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to digoxin, or if you have ventricular fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).
To make sure you can safely take digoxin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
certain serious heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
a recent history of heart attack;
kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood); or
if you are malnourished or have recently been sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether digoxin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Digoxin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from digoxin.