Dosage
The first time you take digoxin you may be asked to take several tablets (or amounts of liquid) as a single dose – this is called the initial dose.
Your doctor will do a blood test after the initial dose to see how it's worked for you. They'll then recommend a daily dose. Sometimes this will be split into doses to take throughout the day.
After the initial dose, the usual daily dose for adults and children over 10 years is 125 micrograms to 250 micrograms daily.
Doses are usually lower for older people and for people with kidney disease, as they may be more likely to get side effects.
For babies and children under 10 years old, the doctor will use your child's weight and age to work out the right dose for them.
How to take it
You can take digoxin with or without food, but it's best to take it at the same time each day.
Most people take it in the morning after breakfast. You'll usually take it once a day.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
If you're using the liquid, it's important to measure your dose using the syringe (pipette) that comes with the medicine. If you do not have a syringe, ask a pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
Do not dilute the liquid.
How long to take it for
You'll usually need to take digoxin long term, even for the rest of your life.
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking it. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a dose of digoxin, leave out that dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
A pharmacist can give you advice on other ways to remember your medicine. Let your doctor know too, as it may affect your heart.
If you take too much
The amount of digoxin that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person. Children and older people may be more affected by the effects of too much digoxin.
If you've taken more than your prescribed dose of digoxin, your doctor may ask you to have a blood test to see how much digoxin is in your blood and to check how well your kidneys are working.
You may also be asked to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to see the effect on your heartbeat.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of digoxin
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under 5 years old.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you, or call for an ambulance.
Take the digoxin packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.