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Digoxin

Pronounced

"didge-OX-in"

Common brand names:

Lanoxin

Uses

Digoxin is used to treat heart failure, usually along with other medications. It is also used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeat (such as chronic atrial fibrillation). Treating heart failure may help maintain your ability to walk and exercise and may improve the strength of your heart. Treating an irregular heartbeat can also improve your ability to exercise.

Digoxin belongs to a class of medications called cardiac glycosides. It works by affecting certain minerals (sodium and potassium) inside heart cells. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it maintain a normal, steady, and strong heartbeat.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using the dropper provided by the manufacturer. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Your body may not absorb this drug as well if you also eat foods that are high in fiber or if you take certain medications. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or after eating food products that are high in fiber (such as bran). If you are also taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or psyllium, wait at least 2 hours after taking your digoxin dose before taking any of these products. If you are taking antacids, kaolin-pectin, milk of magnesia, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, or aminosalicylic acid, take them as far apart from your digoxin dose as possible. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure when to take any of your medications.

The dosage of this medication is based on your medical condition, age, body weight, lab tests, and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.