Did your doctor start you on a medicine called Digoxin because your heart is working a little weakly or your heart rate is irregular? You probably get this medicine in the form of a liquid. This is a very important medicine. So there are a few things to be careful about when using it. Don't worry, we'll talk about it simply, clearly, as if we were talking to a friend.
What actually happens with this Digoxin drug?
Simply put, digoxin is a drug that mainly treats two conditions.
1. Heart Failure: Heart failure here is not really a heart attack. It is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump enough blood to the body. Think of your heart as a water pump. When this pump becomes weak, it becomes difficult to pump blood throughout the body. Digoxin helps this pump, your heart, work a little harder.
2. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): This is a condition in which the heart beats too fast and irregularly. Digoxin works by controlling these unwanted electrical signals in the heart and bringing the heart rate into a correct, steady rhythm.
This medicine can also be used for other purposes. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is important to tell your doctor about these things, as they are very important for the dosage you are given, and for your safety.
- If you have other heart rhythm problems.
- If you have had a heart attack before.
- If you have kidney or liver disease.
- If you have an allergy to digoxin or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother.
Don't hide these things, because it is based on this information that the doctor will decide on the most appropriate treatment for you.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is the most important part. Digoxin is a medication that must be taken in very precise doses.
- Accurate measurement: Since this medicine is a liquid, use only the specially marked dropper that comes with it. Do not use kitchen teaspoons or other syrup cups, as the milliliter count must be very accurate.
- Scheduled time: Take your medicine at the scheduled time as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking it once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
- Do not increase the dosage: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
- When giving to children: Special care is needed when giving this medicine to young children. Ask your doctor for advice about this.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
Imagine that you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose. If this happens , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency that should not be delayed.
This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Digoxin can interact with many other medications. That's why it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications. Below are just a few examples.
| Type of medicine / substance | Some examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, tetracycline |
| Painkillers (NSAIDS) | ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib |
| Medicines for gastritis | omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, antacids |
| Some medications for diabetes | metformin, acarbose |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | atorvastatin, cholestyramine |
| Other things | Calcium supplements, St. John's Wort |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you take. Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, digoxin can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. The important thing is to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Digoxin toxicity | Confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vision changes (blurred vision, yellowing of the eyes) , extreme fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Very slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue. |
| 🙂 Things to inform the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Something like a slight dizziness. |
| Stomach pain | A slight stomach ache. |
| Breast enlargement | Unexpected enlargement of male breasts. |
Things to be careful about when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. He or she may do blood tests and ECGs to monitor your progress.
- Don't stop: Even if you feel better now, don't stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- Diet: Be careful about your diet. Eating a lot of foods, especially those high in bran, can reduce the body's ability to absorb digoxin. So talk to your doctor about a balanced diet.
- Other illnesses: Do not take over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without consulting your doctor. Some medications may interact with digoxin and increase side effects.
Take-Home Message
- Digoxin is a very important medication for heart disease. It is essential to take the correct dose very accurately. To do this, use the special dropper that comes with the medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as digoxin can interact with other medications.
- If you experience symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of vision, or an abnormal change in heart rate, go to your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel better.
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children, away from light, and at room temperature.
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