Digoxin

About digoxin

Digoxin is used to treat certain heart problems such as some arrhythmias (called atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter) and heart failure.

An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat - your heart may skip a beat, beat irregularly or beat at the wrong speed. This can cause you to feel dizzy and breathless, and you may have chest pain and the sensation of having a 'thumping heart' (palpitations). Digoxin works by slowing down the rate at which your heart beats. When your heart rate is brought down to normal, your heart becomes efficient again and your symptoms usually improve.

Digoxin also strengthens the force of your heartbeat, which is why it is useful in heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart does not pump blood as strongly as it should.

Before taking digoxin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking digoxin it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have any heart problems other than those you are currently seeing your doctor for.

• If you have kidney or thyroid problems.

• If you have problems with your breathing.

• If you have been told by a doctor that you have low levels of potassium or magnesium, or high levels of calcium in your blood.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take digoxin

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about digoxin and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take digoxin once daily exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are three strengths of tablets (62.5 micrograms, 125 micrograms and 250 micrograms) - your doctor will prescribe the strength which is right for your condition. Your dose will be on the label of the pack to remind you.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, it is important that you take the right amount. Use the dropper that comes with the bottle to measure out your doses. Never mix the liquid medicine with other liquids. Ask your pharmacist to show you what to do if you are unsure.

• Try to take your doses at the same time of day each day as this will help you to remember to take them.

• Foods containing a lot of fibre, such as wholemeal bread, cereals, fruit and vegetables, can affect how much digoxin your body absorbs. Take your dose at least 30 minutes before eating these types of foods.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you start being sick (vomiting), develop diarrhoea, get blurred or yellow vision, or become very dizzy, you must contact your doctor straightaway. These are signs that the dose of digoxin may be too high for you.

• Your doctor will want you to have some blood tests from time to time during this treatment, to check levels of the salts (electrolytes) in your blood and to make sure your kidneys are working well.

• Sometimes your doctor may do a blood test to check the level of digoxin in your body. If so, you may be asked to delay taking your dose until after the test is taken.

• Treatment with digoxin is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect. Continue to take it unless you are advised otherwise.

• Before you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with digoxin. This is because some medicines and herbal remedies can interfere with digoxin levels.

• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking digoxin.

Can digoxin cause problems?

Along with its useful effects, digoxin can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Many of the side-effects of digoxin are similar to the effects you may experience if your dose is too high. Because of this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become severe.

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

How to store digoxin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines