Digitoxin tablets

What are digitoxin tablets?

DIGITOXIN (Crystodigin®) was a cardiac glycoside used to relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure and to regulate certain types of arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems).

NOTE:This drug is discontinued in the US.

What should my health care professional know before I take digitoxin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart valve disorder, or heart rhythm disorder

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease

• over- or under-active thyroid

• recent heart attack

• too much calcium, potassium, or magnesium in the body

• an unusual or allergic reaction to digitoxin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take digitoxin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can (if you only take one dose a day, not more than 12 hours since your dose was due). If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with digitoxin?

• amphotericin B

• antacids, and all calcium, magnesium, or potassium salts

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

• beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• calcium salts

• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone

• ketoconazole

• magnesium salts

• medicine for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines to control heart rhythm

• quinine

• rifampin

• sevelamer

• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

• succinylcholine

• sulfasalazine

• tetracycline

• thyroid hormones

• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking digitoxin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking your digitoxin, or change the brand you are using, without your prescriber's advice. Other brands may affect you differently.

Check your heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure regularly while you are taking digitoxin. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. Your prescriber or health care professional also may schedule regular blood tests and electrocardiograms to check your progress.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking digitoxin.

Do not take antacids, or treat yourself with non-prescription medicines for pain, allergies, coughs or colds, without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. You will be able to take some of these medicines if you space doses several hours apart.

What side effects may I notice from taking digitoxin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in color vision, blurred vision, eyes sensitive to light, light flashes

• confusion

• diarrhea, or constipation

• dizziness or drowsiness

• fainting spells

• fast heartbeat (more likely in children)

• headache

• irregular, slow heartbeat (less than 50 beats per minute)

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• tingling, pain or numbness

• weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• breast enlargement in men and women

Let your prescriber or health care professional know about this side effect if it does not go away or if it annoys you.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.