Like all medicines, digoxin can cause side effects.
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of digoxin than others. These include children, older people, and people with kidney disease or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Digoxin is safe to take as long as the benefits of taking it are greater than the risks. Your doctor will help you decide this.
Common side effects
These common side effects of digoxin happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling dizzy
If digoxin makes you feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machines until you feel better.
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. If you're being sick, take small, regular sips of water. If you have heart failure you may need to be careful about how much you drink – ask your doctor for advice.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you're being sick your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Diarrhoea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. If you have heart failure you may need to be careful about how much you drink – ask your doctor for advice.
Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Changes in your vision (including blurred vision and not being able to look at bright light)
Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery until these symptoms stop.
Skin rashes
Ask a pharmacist or doctor if they can recommend something to help.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and these side effects bother you or last longer than a few days.
Important
Tell your doctor if you have more than 2 of the common side effects – it means you could have too much digoxin in your blood.
Serious side effects
It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects after taking digoxin.
Call your doctor or call 111 now if you have more than 2 of the common side effects – it means you could have too much digoxin in your blood.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you have a fast heart rate (palpitations), shortness of breath, feel dizzy or feel light-headed
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring all the medicines you take with you.
Serious allergic reaction
It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to digoxin.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of digoxin. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.