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Digoxin

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:

Digoxin - What is it for

Digoxin is used primarily to slow down rapid heart rate. It is also used in heart failure to improve heart function by strengthening the force of your heartbeat.

Digoxin - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Digoxin cause?

  • Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Problems with your vision – sudden change (blurring) in eyesight, yellow vision
    • Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected. Your doctor may also recommend an eyesight test to monitor for such side-effects.

While these side-effects are rare, it is important to consult your healthcare professional if these side-effects become severe. These may indicate that the dose of digoxin may be too high for you.

It is very important that you are on regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor for any possible side-effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any of the following side-effects.

Digoxin may worsen existing abnormal heart rhythm, or cause new irregular heartbeats. Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm include one or more of the following:

  • Irregular heartbeat e.g. slowed heartbeat or palpitations (feels like your heart is racing, pounding, skipping a beat)
  • Severe dizziness or fainting spells

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Digoxin , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
  • You are breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Digoxin ?

​There are several medications that may affect the level of digoxin in your body. If you intend to take any over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbal remedies or traditional medicine, consult your healthcare professional first to confirm that it is safe to take with digoxin.

Digoxin - Dosage and How to Use

How should Digoxin be used?

  • Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
  • You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Digoxin - Handling

How should I handle Digoxin safely?

Digoxin - Storage

How should I store Digoxin ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Digoxin safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Digoxin - Additional Information

  • Updated on 9/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

​If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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