Digoxin helps an injured or weakened ticker pump more
efficiently. Furthermore, it strengthens the force of the heart muscle’s
contractions, improves blood circulation, and helps restore a normal, steady
heart rhythm. Digoxin, also called digitalis is one of several medications used
to treat the symptoms of heart failure, which may also be prescribed if you
have atrial fibrillation (a common irregular heart rhythm).
Types of digoxin include Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps,
Digitek) and Digitoxin (Crystodigin).
Tips To
Take Digoxin:
This drug is usually taken once a day, and try to take this
drug at the same time every day. It is very important to follow the label
directions on how often to take it. How long you need to take it and the time
allowed between doses will depend on your condition. It may happen that you may
have to take this drug for a long time, possibly for the rest of your life.
Side
Effects Of Digoxin:
Headache; drowsiness and fatigue; confusion; depression;
muscle weakness; loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting; irregular heart beat or
slow heart rate; changes in vision, such as sensitivity to light, seeing things
larger or smaller than they are, blurring, color changes, and seeing halos or
borders on objects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these
symptoms as your dose may need to be changed. You usually will not experience
side effects once you and your doctor have determined the correct dose/if you
take digoxin exactly as prescribed.
Points To
Remember:
1. Doctors
generally prescribe digoxin in combination with diuretics, an ACE inhibitor and
a beta-blocker. So, contact your doctor if you experience an increase in side
effects after taking your medications together as you may need to change the
times you are taking each medication.
2. Before
taking over-the-counter medications like antacids; asthma remedies; cold, cough
or sinus medicine; laxatives, medicines for diarrhea; or diet medications
consult with your doctor as they can interfere with the effects of digoxin.
3. It’s very
important to follow your doctor’s advice, which may include following a
low-sodium diet, taking a potassium supplement, or including high-potassium
foods like bananas in your diet.
4. Your doctor
may tell you to take and record your pulse daily while you take this drug. Contact
your doctor about taking digoxin on a day when your pulse is slower than
recommended.
5. Keep all
appointments with your healthcare provider and the laboratory so your response
to the drug can be monitored. Your dose may be adjusted, and you may also have
your electrocardiograms and blood tests.
6. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you as
this medication may cause drowsiness.
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