Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disturbances) and Digoxin

Digoxin, also known as Lanoxin, contains digitalis glycosides from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanaxa. Digitalis glycosides have a very narrow therapeutic window between taking too little and taking too much. These drugs are very effective at treating heart failure, but have much more restricted use in heart rhythm disturbances.

These drugs are primarily used to control the rate of ventricular response to tachyarrhythmias (heartbeats that are too fast).

Read more details about Digoxin.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Do not take cholestyramine, colestipol, dietary bran fiber, or kaolin-pectin within 2 hours of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• A faster, harmful heartbeat can rarely occur.

• A slower, harmful heartbeat can rarely occur.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Significant weight gain.

• Sudden change in vision or ability to see color. Objects may have yellow/green halos around them.

• Not able to eat.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.