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Digoxin

Precautions

Before taking digoxin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as digitoxin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, thyroid problems (underactive or overactive).

This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

The balance of certain natural minerals in your blood (calcium, magnesium, potassium) can affect how this drug works in your body. Certain drugs such as "water pills" (diuretics) may affect the normal balance of these minerals. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a "water pill" or if you have a history of mineral imbalance. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take a nutritional supplement or follow a special diet.

Before having surgery or certain procedures on your heart (such as electrical cardioversion), tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Infants and children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially the effects on the heartbeat.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Digoxin passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: weakness, mental/mood changes, vision changes (such as blurred or yellow/green vision), enlarged/tender breasts in men.

Though this medication is used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat, it may rarely cause other types of irregular heartbeats. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.