Digitalis has been used for hundreds of years to treat heart disease. While the first forms of these medications were ground up foxglove leaves, the most common form used now, digoxin, is highly purified. Digoxin is prescribed for two common cardiac conditions:
* congestive heart failure, and
* abnormal heart rhythms, especially atrial fibrillation.

In congestive heart failure, digoxin improves the strength of the heart muscle. In atrial fibrillation, digoxin slows the electrical impulses of the heart.

Because digoxin is a very strong medication, your health care provider will prescribe and monitor this medication very carefully. Digoxin must be taken on a regular basis, not just when you are feeling bad. Even a slight excess in dose could cause serious problems. Keep this, and all, medicines, out of the reach of children and pets!

You may be asked to measure and write down your pulse every day. Your provider may tell you that if your pulse is lower than, for example, 50, or faster than, for example 120, to call. You also should be aware of the possible side effects of digoxin. If any of these occur, make sure you call your provider:
* loss of appetite,
* nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea,
* an uneven, very slow or very fast heartbeat, or
* a change in your vision.

Many medicines can change the effects of digoxin. This is called a drug interaction. Medications that can affect digoxin include:
* diuretics or water pills,
* other cardiac medications such as quinidine, amiodarone, verapamil,
* antacids,
* laxatives and some diarrhea medications,
* cholestyramine and colestipol,
* thyroid and asthma medications,
* decongestants (found in cough, cold and sinus products) , and
* diet pills.

Before you start taking ANY new medication with digoxin, check with your provider.

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