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Product Overview
Digoxin (generic Lanoxin)
What is digoxin? Digoxin is a prescription medication used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Looking for a safe, effective way to keep your arrhythmia under control? Talk to your doctor about whether digoxin is right for you.
What are common side effects of digoxin? While adverse reactions to digoxin are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including digoxin toxicity (close laboratory monitoring with your clinician can dramatically reduce the risk of toxicity), cardiac toxicity, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, intestinal ischemia, hemorrhagic necrosis, headache, weakness, dizziness, apathy, confusion, mental disturbances, thrombocytopenia, and maculopapular rash.
Rare, more serious side effects have been known to occur. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Allison Edwards, MD
Frequently asked questions about Digoxin
What is digoxin?
Digoxin is a prescription medication used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Heart failure is a common condition in which the heart is no longer able to adequately pump blood through the body. While heart failure is a serious medical condition that does not have a cure, it can be managed quite effectively through prescription medications like digoxin and lifestyle changes like increasing your exercise and improving your diet. With these interventions - medicine and lifestyle changes - the prognosis for heart failure is far less dire than its name would suggest.
What is digoxin used to treat?
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeat. It helps the heart maintain a consistent, strong heartbeat capable of supplying the body with the blood that it needs to thrive. This can help make it easier for you to exercise and move - which is integral in keeping your heart failure under control.
How does digoxin work?
Digoxin belongs to a family of drugs known as cardiac glycosides. These drugs can help control heart failure and correct arrhythmias by acting on potassium and sodium, two natural minerals in your body that strongly influence the strength and cadence of your heartbeat.
What are common side effects of digoxin?
While there are some common side effects associated with digoxin, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this drug because its ability to manage your mild to moderate heart failure outweighs any adverse effects it may cause.
You may, however, experience some side effects after beginning digoxin. Common side effects include:
Digoxin toxicity
Cardiac toxicity
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Intestinal ischemia
Hemorrhagic necrosis
Headache
Weakness
Dizziness
Apathy
Confusion
Mental disturbances
Thrombocytopenia
Maculopapular rash
This is not a complete list of side effects of digoxin. To learn more about adverse effects your may experience while taking digoxin, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed page for digoxin.
How long does it take for digoxin to work?
Heart failure is a complex condition - and it will take some time for digoxin to begin to make an impact. Most patients can expect to start feeling better within 7-14 days of starting digoxin.
What is a common starting dose of digoxin?
Digoxin is unique in that the quantity prescribed for therapeutic effect is just slightly lower than the amount at which digoxin toxicity occurs. With this in mind, your doctor will consider a variety of factors - including your weight, age, kidney function, and concomitant drugs - to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.
Your course of treatment will likely begin with what’s known as a loading dose. This is an initial dose of digoxin that is higher than your maintenance dose - or the dose you’ll eventually take on a daily basis. For adults and children over 10-years old, your doctor will likely prescribe a 10-15 mcg/kg loading dose. Half of this quantity is administered initially, followed by a series of ¼ doses spaced 6 to 8 hours apart.
Once you have completed your loading dose, your doctor will prescribe a maintenance dose - the quantity of digoxin that you will take every day. For adults and children over 10, this once-daily dose usually ranges from 3.4 mcg/kg to 5/1 mcg/kg.
Consult your doctor before stopping digoxin.
Can I get digoxin over-the-counter?
Digoxin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not digoxin is right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Can I get digoxin online?
Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.
