You should not use digoxin if you have ventricular fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use digoxin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ventricular fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart).
To make sure digoxin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
a heart attack;
slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint;
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (sudden fast heartbeats);
kidney disease;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood);
a thyroid disorder; or
if you have recently been sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether digoxin will harm an unborn baby. However, having heart failure or atrial fibrillation during pregnancy may cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight, or risk of death in both mother and baby. The benefit of treating heart problems with digoxin may outweigh any risks to the baby.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using digoxin. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use digoxin?
Take digoxin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Try to take oral digoxin at the same time every day.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Take digoxin regularly even if you feel fine or have no symptoms. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Digoxin injection is given as a shot into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked daily.
You may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
