Digoxin Tablets

What is this medication?

DIGOXIN (di JOX in) treats heart failure. It may also be used to treat a type of arrhythmia known as AFib (atrial fibrillation). It works by helping your heart beat stronger, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It also slows down overactive electric signals in the heart, which stabilizes your heart rhythm.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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 medication?

• Activated charcoal
• Albuterol
• Alprazolam
• Antacids
• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS like ritonavir and saquinavir
• Calcium
• Certain antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, neomycin, trimethoprim, and tetracycline
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for cancer
• Certain medications for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cholestyramine, and colestipol
• Certain medications for diabetes, like acarbose, exenatide, miglitol, and metformin
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Certain medications for stomach problems like omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, metoclopramide, and sucralfate
• Conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• Diphenoxylate
• Epinephrine
• Kaolin; pectin
• Nefazodone
• NSAIDS, medications 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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medication without the advice of your care team, 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 medication. Ask your care team what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your care team 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 care team for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Digoxin toxicity—confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in vision such as blurry or yellow vision, fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Unexpected breast tissue growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

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 medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.