Digoxin Oral solution

What is this medicine?

DIGOXIN (di JOX in) is used to treat congestive heart failure and heart rhythm problems. It increases the strength of the heart muscle, helps to maintain a normal heart rhythm, and helps to remove excess water from the body.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Measure your medicine carefully with the specially marked dropper provided. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• changes in behavior, mood, or mental ability

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• unusual bleeding, bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• breast enlargement in men and women

• diarrhea

What may interact with this medicine?

• agents used to treat cancer

• alprazolam

• antacids

• beta blockers or calcium-channel blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• calcium, magnesium, or potassium salts

• certain medicines used to decrease cholesterol, including cholestyramine or colestipol

• clarithromycin or erythromycin

• diet pills (stimulants) or drugs used to control weight

• diphenoxylate

• diuretics

• indomethacin

• itraconazole

• medicines to control heart rhythm like dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol, and others

• metoclopramide

• neomycin

• propantheline

• quinine

• rifampin

• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

• spironolactone

• succinylcholine

• sulfasalazine

• tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline

• thyroid hormones

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• certain heart rhythm disorders

• heart disease or recent heart attack

• kidney or liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to digoxin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medicine without the advice of your doctor or health care professional, even if you feel better. Do not change the brand you are taking, other brands may affect you differently.

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your doctor or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

Watch your diet. Less digoxin may be absorbed from the stomach if you have a diet high in bran fiber.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.