DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Digoxin Capsules and Tablets (di-JOX-in)
Brand Name: Examples include Digitek and Lanoxin

Digoxin Capsules is used for:

Treating heart failure and slowing the heart rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. It may also be used for certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Digoxin Capsules is a digitalis glycoside. It works by increasing the force of contraction of the heart and slowing heart rate.

Do NOT use Digoxin Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Digoxin Capsules
• you are currently taking sucralfate
• you have Beriberi heart disease
• you have certain types of heart rhythm problems, such as ventricular fibrillation

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Digoxin Capsules:

Some medical conditions may interact with Digoxin Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have severe heart failure, inflammation of the heart, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart block, extra heart beats (PVCs), and certain abnormal heart rhythms, or fainting due to a heart problem
• if you have severe kidney, liver or lung problems, or thyroid problems
• if you have low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium, or high blood levels of potassium or calcium

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Digoxin Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Amiodarone, amphotericin B, anticholinergics (eg, propantheline), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), bupivacaine, calcium, certain stimulants (eg, albuterol, amphetamine, pseudoephedrine), cyclosporine, diphenoxylate, diltiazem, diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), indomethacin, itraconazole, macrolides (eg, erythromycin), propafenone, quinidine, quinine, spironolactone, succinylcholine, tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), thioamines (eg, methimazole), or verapamil because side effects of Digoxin Capsules, especially on the heart, may be increased
• Acarbose, certain anticancer medicines, cholestyramine, colestipol, kaolin-pectin, metoclopramide, penicillamine, rifampin, sulfasalazine, or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because the effectiveness of Digoxin Capsules may be decreased
• Oral aminoglycosides (eg, neomycin) because the actions and side effects of Digoxin Capsules may be increased or decreased
• Spironolactone because it may interfere with certain lab tests for digoxin blood levels and give false readings

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Digoxin Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Digoxin Capsules:

Use Digoxin Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Do not take Digoxin Capsules within 1 hour of food high in fiber.
• Do not take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, cholestyramine, or colestipol within 2 to 4 hours of taking Digoxin Capsules.
• If you miss a dose of Digoxin Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Digoxin Capsules.

Important safety information:

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Digoxin Capsules before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• LAB TESTS, including electrocardiogram (ECG), electrolytes, and blood digoxin levels, may be performed while you use Digoxin Capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Digoxin Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Digoxin Capsules with extreme caution in INFANTS who are premature or immature. Digoxin can cause poisoning in children if it is accidentally ingested.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Digoxin Capsules while you are pregnant. Digoxin Capsules is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Digoxin Capsules, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Digoxin Capsules:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include changes in vision; confusion; decreased consciousness; diarrhea; difficulty breathing when lying down; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; nausea; pounding in chest; vomiting; weakness.

Proper storage of Digoxin Capsules:

Store Digoxin Capsules at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Digoxin Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Digoxin Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Digoxin Capsules is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Digoxin Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.