USE
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure, usually along with other medications. It is also used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat (chronic atrial fibrillation).

Treating heart failure may help maintain your ability to walk and exercise, improve your heart function, and decrease the chance that you will need hospitalization. Treating an irregular heartbeat helps the heart pump blood properly.

Digoxin belongs to a class of medications called cardiac glycosides. It works by affecting certain minerals (sodium and potassium) inside the cells of the heart. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it beat more strongly. Digoxin also helps control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat.

How to use Digitek Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Certain foods and medications decrease the absorption of digoxin. Therefore, take digoxin at least 2 hours before or after eating food products high in fiber (such as bran). If you are taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or psyllium, wait at least 2 hours after 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 as far apart as possible from your digoxin dose.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, body weight, and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order 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.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: confusion, dizziness, weakness, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression, hallucinations), fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, vision changes (blurred vision or yellow/green halos around objects), enlarged/tender breasts.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking digoxin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other forms of digitalis (e.g., digitoxin); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver disease, lung disease, untreated mineral imbalance (high or low calcium, low potassium or magnesium), underactive or overactive thyroid, certain types of heart disease (e.g., severe heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm), rheumatic fever.

Difficult breathing, trouble walking and swelling in your lower legs and ankles may be signs that your medications need adjustment.

If normal activity causes shortness of breath, or if you awaken frequently during the night due to shortness of breath, tell your doctor immediately.

Do not change any of your medications without consulting your doctor.

This drug works best when blood potassium and magnesium levels are kept in a normal range. Certain drugs such as diuretics ("water pills") may lower the amount of these minerals in your body. Ask your doctor about adding potassium and/or magnesium to your diet. Your doctor may prescribe a potassium and/or magnesium supplement.

Before having surgery or certain procedures on your heart (e.g., electrical cardioversion), tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Caution is advised when using this drug in infants and children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on heart rhythm.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. 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 breast-feeding.

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