What happens if i stop taking digoxin

These data suggest that the known suppression of sympathetic activity by digoxin may be important in certain patients, such as those with ischemic heart disease or those intolerant to beta-blockers. The strengths of this study were its large size, use of contemporary therapy, and matching for 50 baseline variables.

Some weaknesses included its retrospective, observational design where not all potential confounders were measured. Further, there were no data on digoxin or other drugs after hospitalization. However, for those on digoxin when admitted to the hospital, it may not be a good idea to stop the therapy, especially in patients with coronary artery disease or who are intolerant to beta-blockers.

This was the case in both my recent elderly women with HFrEF who responded to digoxin. In the Malik et al study, reduced renal function did not diminish the benefits of digoxin. Thus, digoxin can be used in patients with reduced renal function with proper dose adjustment. Reprints Share. News Briefs: Is it safe to discharge a heart failure patient? Report Abusive Comment Thank you for helping us to improve our forums. Is this comment offensive?

Please tell us why. Restricted Content You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next days. Please click here to continue without javascript.. These results are important because elderly patients are at particularly high risk for digitalis toxicity. A final noteworthy result emerged from this study: scans obtained with a four-pound portable echocardiography machine correlated well with those from a standard unit, thus facilitating bedside diagnosis in the nursing home.

Forman DE et al. Clinical issues related to discontinuing digoxin therapy in elderly nursing home patients. Arch Intern Med Nov Arch Intern Med Nov Several studies have shown that digoxin can be safely withdrawn from patients who have no clear history of poor systolic function. Keep taking your digoxin, even after you are feeling better. This could make your heart problems worse. Call your doctor if you have any problems taking the medicine. It is better to take digoxin on an empty stomach.

Check with your doctor before taking any of the medicines listed above. Digoxin interacts with many other medicines, too. You should always tell your doctor and your pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking.

This includes any over-the-counter medicines, natural remedies, and herbal medicines. Always talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines.

The digoxin dose needed to treat heart conditions is different for different people. Your doctor may do a blood test to make sure you have the right amount of digoxin in your body. This blood test has to be done at least 6 hours after your last dose of digoxin. Tell your doctor when you normally take your digoxin. Your doctor may want you to wait to take your dose. Or he or she may want to schedule your appointment so that you will have your blood drawn at the right time.

Most people can take digoxin without experiencing many side effects. However, you could have side effects, especially if you get too much digoxin. These side effects include:. It is important to pay attention to these side effects. Too much digoxin is dangerous. You should call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. There are also symptoms when you are not getting enough digoxin. You should discuss your condition and symptoms with you doctor.

If you have heart failure, the following symptoms may mean that you are not getting enough digoxin:. If you have atrial fibrillation, the following symptoms may mean that you are not getting enough digoxin:. If you develop any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Last Updated: June 12, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.