Digoxin

If you have a heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure or a weakened heart muscle, you may be prescribed this medication to help improve your hearts pumping action. It may also help make you feel less tired and short of breath and reduce the time you spend in hospital.

How does it work?
Digoxin helps your heart pump stronger and slows down your heart rate to improve its pumping action.

How should I take it?
Digoxin can be taken with or without food. It is very important that you take the exact amount prescribed by your doctor. Never take extra tablets. Your doctor may order a blood test to check how much digoxin is in your body. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how and when to take your medication.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Avoid black licorice. Digoxin and black licorice can result in irregular heart rhythms. Also, large amounts of oatmeal, milk and high-fibre cereals can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Always talk to your doctor about what you should or should not avoid while taking digoxin.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Many drugs interact with digoxin including, for example, erythromycin and the antibiotic tetracycline, antiarrhythmic drugs and calcium channel blockers. Over-the-counter antacids may also reduce the effectiveness of digoxin. The herb hawthorn should never be taken with digoxin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any drug interactions that could affect you.

Always tell your doctor about any other medication including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products (vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids).

What are some common side effects?
Like any medication, digoxin may cause side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have upset stomach or vomiting, diarrhea, major loss of appetite, weakness, blurred vision, see yellow, green or white spots around objects.

Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that is lower in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, being smoke free, limiting alcohol use, being physically active and reducing stress are also important in lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your health-care practitioner about how you can achieve these lifestyle changes.

Where can I get more information?
For warnings, recalls and other clinical drug information:

1. Health Canada Drugs and Health Products http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/index_e.html
2. Drugs and Health Products: Advisories, Warnings and Recalls http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/index_e.html

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