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Digitoxin

Brand Names

; Crystodigin®

; Digitaline® (Canada)

Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class IV

If you have an allergy to digitoxin or any other part of the medicine.
If you have any of the following conditions: Too much digitalis in your body, beriberi heart disease, a blockage in the electric system of the heart without a pacemaker to correct the problem, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, constrictive pericarditis, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia.

This medicine treats weakened hearts (congestive heart failure) by strengthening pumping action. It is also used to slow the heart rate (pulse) in a patient whose heart is racing in a certain way (atrial fibrillation/flutter).

Digitoxin strengthens the heart by increasing calcium inside the cells of the heart. The heart can pump stronger and more effectively as a result. It decreases the number of electrical impulses that drive heart rate (pulse) and this slows the speed down.

Take separately from high bran fiber, otherwise, take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
Take at a similar time every day.
Swallow tablet whole.
Do not take antacids, dietary bran fiber, sucralfate, cholestyramine, colestipol, or kaolin-pectin within 4-6 hours of this medicine.

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

Check medicines with healthcare provider, particularly if you are taking amiodarone, verapamil, or quinidine.
Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Confusion, especially in the elderly and patients with kidney disease.
Anorexia, belly pain, and cramps.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea.

Check heart rate (pulse). Can be taken daily before taking the medicine. Ask healthcare provider to teach you to take pulse.
Check digitoxin serum concentrations. Easiest to have blood drawn in the morning before daily dose (just take dose after blood drawn). Talk with healthcare provider.
Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider if you are taking a water pill.
Watch for swelling of legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, exercise tolerance. If any of these worsen, talk with healthcare provider.
Report a 3-5 pound weight gain if you have heart failure.
Follow diet plan (low sodium if heart failure patient) as recommended. Talk with healthcare provider.

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
Too tired or sleepy.
Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).