Digoxin is a prescription medication that is given to people who have heart problems such as arrhythmias and heart failure. According to Drugs.com, digoxin is derived from the leaves of the digitalis plant. Digoxin affects the heart by increasing the efficiency of the pumping action and ventricular contractions. Symptoms of heart failure, such as exercise intolerance and shortness of breath can be improved or controlled. Digoxin can also be helpful in controlling the electrical conduction in the heart and can regulate abnormal atrial rhythms. As with all medications, there are several potential side effects, some serious and some simply bothersome. Digoxin should never be started or stopped or the dosage changed unless prescribed by a physician.
Changes in Heart Rhythm
Since digoxin is prescribed for many conditions where heart rhythm issues are a main component of the disease, it is not unexpected that heart rhythm would be affected. However, unwanted changes are one potential side effect of taking this drug. According to the Mayo Clinic, a fast pounding or irregular heartbeat is common. Digoxin can also cause an unnaturally slow heartbeat. Any change in heart rhythm should be immediately reported to your doctor as it can lead to heart attack.
Dizziness
In conjunction with changing heart rhythm, a patient may experience dizziness or even fainting. These are likely to occur due to a change in available blood volume and blood pressure. These side effects are somewhat common, but are serious and also should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Serious and Rare Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, there are a wide variety of side effects to digoxin use that are uncommon but are potentially serious and should be reported immediately. These potential side effects include blurred or yellow vision, bloody or black tarry stools, confusion and hallucinations or erratic behavior, severe stomach pain and skin rashes. With any medication you should seek emergency medical help if you encounter symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, hives or difficulty breathing.
Less Serious Side Effects
According to Familydoctor.org, most people taking digoxin experienced very few side effects. However, digoxin has a narrow window of effective therapeutic use and too much digoxin in the blood can cause many less serious side effects. These can be managed at home and medical treatment should only be sought if they become problematic or severe, but your medical professional may be able to offer help in preventing or reducing these bothersome side effects. These less serious side effects include nausea and vomiting, weakness, headache and mild skin rashes.
