Digitalis: digoxin

Digitalis is often prescribed for individuals suffering from heart disease. The most common form of digitalis is digoxin. Digitalis works on the heart to stabilize the heart rate and rhythm and make the heart pump stronger.

Digoxin is a strong drug that is prescribed and must be monitored very carefully. It must be taken on a regular basis, not just when a person is feeling bad. Improper dosage of the drug can cause serious problems.

Digitalis toxicity can occur fairly easily and quickly. Digitalis can accumulate in tissues even when taken as prescribed. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity are:

• weakness
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• seeing colored lights
• loss of appetite or
• an uneven, very slow or very fast heartbeat

Several medications can affect the way digitalis works, causing either an increase or decrease in the drug's actions on the heart. Some of the medicines are:

• diuretics or water pills
• other cardiac medications
• antacids
• laxatives and some diarrhea medications
• thyroid and asthma medications
• decongestants found in cough, cold, and sinus products and
• diet pills

Before you start taking any new medication with digoxin, check with your healthcare provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File MEDI3135.RF2 VRS# 6126 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.