Taking Digoxin: Your Daily Safety Guide
Medical-Surgical · Cardiovascular
Digoxin helps your heart pump stronger and slows a fast, uneven heartbeat. The right amount helps, but too much is harmful, so check your pulse and watch for warning signs.
Check your pulse first
- Before each dose, rest, then count your pulse for 1 full minute.
- Write down the number.
- If your pulse is under 60, do not take the dose. Call your provider.
- Your care team's limit, if different: ____________.
Take it the right way
- Take digoxin once a day at the same time.
- Never take 2 doses to make up for a missed one. Ask your provider what to do.
- Take antacids (Tums, Maalox) at least 2 hours apart from digoxin.
Know the signs of too much digoxin
- Upset stomach, throwing up, or not feeling hungry
- Blurry vision, or seeing yellow-green colors or halos around lights
- Confusion or feeling very tired
- A slow or uneven pulse
Keep your potassium normal
- Low potassium makes digoxin more harmful. Water pills lower potassium.
- Take potassium pills if they are prescribed.
- Tell your provider about vomiting or diarrhea.
Keep your blood tests
- Blood tests check your digoxin level, potassium, and kidneys.
- On test days, ask whether to take your dose after the blood draw.
- Ask before any new medicine or supplement, including St. John's wort.
Call your provider today if you have
- A pulse under 60 or under your limit
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Vision changes or new confusion
- Extra tablets taken but no symptoms: call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or the local poison center
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- A very slow or racing pulse with chest pain, dizziness, or trouble breathing
- Severe confusion
- Extra tablets taken and you feel sick