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Digoxin

Digoxin

General Information

Digoxin is used for the treatment of heart failure. Treating heart failure may help maintain your ability to walk and exercise. It may also improve the strength of your heart.

Digoxin may also be used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeat called chronic atrial fibrillation. Treating an irregular heartbeat can lessen the risk of blood clots. It is an effect that may reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

How does Digoxin work?

Digoxin works directly on the heart muscle. It decelerates the rate at which the heartbeats. This also increases the force with which the heart muscle contracts with every heartbeat. Digoxin makes each heartbeat more efficient at pumping blood around the body.

Why use Digoxin?

Digoxin is a type of medicine called cardiac glycoside. It’s a form of digitalis which is a drug extracted from the foxglove plant. The term digitalis is used to designate the whole group of glycosides. The function of this medication is to slow your heart rate down and improve the filling of your ventricles with blood.

Digoxin appears as odorless white crystals that are practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in pyridine. This is supplied as 125 mcg and 250 mcg tablets for oral use. Each tablet contains the labeled amount of Digoxin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication in 1975.

How to use Digoxin?

This medication is to be taken by mouth usually once a day. You may take each dose with or without a meal. Remember to take each dose at the same time each day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, age, and response. To get the most benefit from this medication, use it regularly. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

What are the side effects of Digoxin?

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Skin rash
  • Vision changes
  • Anxiety

Warnings and Precautions

  • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any allergies.
  • Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Infants and children may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication, especially the effects on the heartbeat.
  • This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that needs your alertness.
  • While taking this medication, limit alcoholic beverages.
  • Keep this away from the reach of children.