About Digoxin

Digoxin is a type of medicine called a cardiac glycoside.

It's used to control some heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) including atrial fibrillation.

It can also help to manage the symptoms of heart failure, usually with other medicines. It's normally recommended when these other medicines have not been enough to control your symptoms on their own.

It works by slowing down your heart rate and making your heart beat more strongly, which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Digoxin is only available on prescription.

It comes as tablets and as a liquid (sometimes called an elixir). It can also be given as an injection, but this is usually done in hospital.

Key facts

• It can take several weeks for digoxin to start working. You will not feel better straight away but you should notice improvements after a few weeks.
• Common side effects include feeling dizzy, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, changes in your vision or skin rashes
• If digoxin makes you feel dizzy it's best not to drink alcohol. Wait to see how the medicine affects you.
• You can drive or ride a bike if you feel OK while taking it. Do not drive or cycle if you feel dizzy or have problems with your vision.
• You'll need regular blood tests while taking digoxin to check that your kidneys are healthy and you have the right amount of potassium, magnesium and calcium in your blood.
• If you need an operation, tell your doctor that you're taking digoxin. They'll tell you if you need to stop taking it before your treatment.

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