Digoxin tablets or capsules

What is this medicine?

DIGOXIN (di JOX in) is used to treat congestive heart failure and heart rhythm problems.

Open All

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Open

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-certain heart rhythm disorders
-heart disease or recent heart attack
-kidney or liver disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to digoxin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Open

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before, or 2 hours after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Open

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Open

-activated charcoal
-albuterol
-alprazolam
-antacids
-antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like ritonavir and saquinavir
-calcium
-certain antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, neomycin, trimethoprim, and tetracycline
-certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-certain medicines for cancer
-certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cholestyramine, and colestipol
-certain medicines for diabetes, like acarbose, exenatide, miglitol, and metformin
-certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
-certain medicines for stomach problems like omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, metoclopramide, and sucralfate
-cyclosporine
-diphenoxylate
-epinephrine
-kaolin; pectin
-nefazodone
-NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like celecoxib, ibuprofen, or naproxen
-penicillamine
-phenytoin
-propantheline
-quinine
-phenytoin
-rifampin
-succinylcholine
-St. John's Wort
-sulfasalazine
-teriparatide
-thyroid hormones
-tolvaptan

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Open

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medicine without the advice of your doctor or health care professional, even if you feel better. Do not change the brand you are taking, other brands may affect you differently.

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your doctor or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

Watch your diet. Less digoxin may be absorbed from the stomach if you have a diet high in bran fiber.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Open

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-changes in behavior, mood, or mental ability
-changes in vision
-confusion
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-headache
-nausea, vomiting
-unusual bleeding, bruising
-unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-breast enlargement in men and women
-diarrhea

Where should I keep my medicine?

Open

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.

Open

FIRST Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

SECOND Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

THIRD Trimester

Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Lactation

Compatible - This drug is generally safe to take by nursing mothers.