Digoxin is a type of medicine called a cardiac glycoside.
It's used to control some heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) includingatrial fibrillation.
It can also help to manage the symptoms ofheart failure, usually with other medicines. It's usually recommended when these other medicines have not been enough to control your symptoms on their own.
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.
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
- Digoxin slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
- Common side effects include feeling confused, dizzy, feeling or being sick, loss of appetite, 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 will tell you if you need to stop taking it before your treatment.