Digoxin
Digoxin Oral
Digoxina
Why is this medication prescribed?
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart
rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps the heart work better and it helps control
your heart rate.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Digoxin comes as a tablet, capsule, or
pediatric elixir (liquid) to take by mouth. Digoxin is usually taken once
a day. 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. It is important that you always take the same brand of
digoxin. Different brands of digoxin have different amounts of active drug
and your dose would need to be changed.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
digoxin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Digoxin helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to
take digoxin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking digoxin without
talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Digoxin also is used to treat heart pain (angina) and may be used after a
heart attack. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this
drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking digoxin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to digoxin, digitoxin,
or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antacids, antibiotics, calcium,
corticosteroids, diuretics ('water pills'), other medications for heart
disease, thyroid medications, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thyroid problems, heart
arrhythmias, cancer, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking digoxin, call your
doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are taking digoxin.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Your doctor may 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. Follow all diet directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from digoxin are not common, they can occur. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
vision changes (blurred or yellow)
rash
irregular heartbeat
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite
swelling of the feet or hands
unusual weight gain
difficulty breathing
What storage conditions are needed for
this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call
local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor
will need to determine your response to digoxin. You may have
electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood tests periodically, and your dose may
need to be adjusted. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart
rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse.
If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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