Digoxin
Digoxin is used in some people with heart failure to improve symptoms and in atrial fibrillation to help control resting heart rate when other options are unsuitable or added to them. Dosing is individual and toxicity can occur if levels creep high.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: digoxin
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Digoxin is used in some people with heart failure to improve symptoms and in atrial fibrillation to help control resting heart rate when other options are unsuitable or added to them.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, or visual disturbances (for example yellow halos) can be toxicity signs as well as side effects.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Digoxin with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Digoxin is used for
Digoxin is used in some people with heart failure to improve symptoms and in atrial fibrillation to help control resting heart rate when other options are unsuitable or added to them.
Dosing is individual and toxicity can occur if levels creep high.
How does Digoxin work, and how long does it take to work?
It increases the force of heart contraction slightly and slows conduction through the AV node, which can steady pulse in AF.
Benefit and risk depend on kidney function and interactions.
How and when should you take Digoxin?
Take at the same time daily as prescribed. Tablets and liquid exist — measure liquid carefully.
Do not change dose after home heart-rate gadgets without medical review.
What are the common side effects of Digoxin?
Nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, or visual disturbances (for example yellow halos) can be toxicity signs as well as side effects.
Many people on stable low doses feel well.
Serious side effects of Digoxin — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe palpitations, fainting, or suspected overdose.
Dangerous arrhythmias can occur with toxicity — attend A&E if large accidental extra doses are taken.
What if you miss a dose of Digoxin?
If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless nearly time for the next; do not double. If several doses are missed, ask your prescriber before catching up.
Who should not take Digoxin?
Some arrhythmias (for example ventricular tachycardia), untreated low potassium or high calcium, and thyroid problems need correction before safe use.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding need specialist advice.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Digoxin? — other interactions
Amiodarone, Verapamil, Diltiazem, macrolide antibiotics, and diuretics that lower potassium increase toxicity risk.
Digoxin in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss with your prescriber — use only when clearly indicated.
Blood tests and monitoring on Digoxin
Digoxin blood levels, kidney function, and electrolytes may be checked, especially after starting, dose changes, or illness.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Digoxin?
Beta-blockers, other rate-control drugs, or different heart failure medicines may be used if digoxin is not suitable.
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Frequently asked questions about Digoxin
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Digoxin used for?
- Digoxin is used in some people with heart failure to improve symptoms and in atrial fibrillation to help control resting heart rate when other options are unsuitable or added to them. Dosing is individual and toxicity can occur if levels creep high.
- How long does Digoxin take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Digoxin with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Digoxin with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Digoxin?
- Nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, or visual disturbances (for example yellow halos) can be toxicity signs as well as side effects. Many people on stable low doses feel well. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Do I need a blood test for digoxin?
- Levels are sometimes measured to check you are in a safe range, particularly if kidney function changes or new interacting drugs are added.
- What are signs of too much digoxin?
- Nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual palpitations, or visual changes should prompt same-day medical advice — do not wait for a routine appointment.
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