How It Works
Digoxin helps slow the heart rate by
reducing the number of electrical impulses that pass through (but do not
originate in) the
atrioventricular (AV) node into the lower heart
chambers (ventricles).
Why It Is Used
Digoxin slows heart rate and
strengthens heart contractions in people who have a fast heart rate.
How Well It Works
Digoxin is often not very effective for
preventing supraventricular tachycardia.1 Beta-blockers and calcium channel
blockers are most often tried first.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Overdose of digoxin (also called digoxin poisoning) can happen if you have too much digoxin in your blood.
Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an overdose:
- Loss of appetite.
- Stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Loss of vision.
- Confusion.
- Change in heartbeat (fast, slow, or irregular).
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Tell your doctor all of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Other medicines can change the amount of digoxin in your blood so that you have too much digoxin. Too much digoxin causes serious symptoms of an overdose, also known as digoxin poisoning.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
You may have regular blood tests to check the level of digoxin in your blood. Your doctor will make sure you are taking a safe amount of digoxin. Your doctor will likely let you know when you need to have the tests. When you start taking digoxin, you at first may need to have frequent blood tests to monitor the level of the medicine. These tests may be done less frequently after you have been taking digoxin for some time.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Drugs for cardiac arrhythmias (2007). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 5(58): 51–58.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | John M. Miller, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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| Last Revised | August 9, 2012 |
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