Digoxin: Uses, Side Effects, and Safe Taking
Digoxin is a prescription medicine that helps certain heart conditions, including heart failure with symptoms and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. It works by helping the heart beat more effectively and controlling the rate at which the ventricles pump blood.
Digoxin requires careful dosing and regular monitoring because too much can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Take it exactly as prescribed and ask a doctor or pharmacist before changing the dose or starting new medicines.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01AA05
- Generic
- Digoxin
- Class
- cardiac-glycoside
- Brands
- Lanoxin
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 48
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- digoxin-level, electrolytes, renal-function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.125-0.25 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-10 mcg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.125 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
13 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid if possible, use only when benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and serum digoxin levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when absolutely necessary for maternal indication
monitor maternal serum digoxin levels and fetal heart rate
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue therapy if needed, plan delivery accordingly
close monitoring of maternal and fetal status, serum levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically required
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, monitor infant for signs of toxicity
observe infant for feeding difficulties, vomiting, or bradycardia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%, use lower end of dosing range
start at low dose, adjust based on renal function and clinical response
regular monitoring of renal function, serum digoxin levels, and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing with careful titration
use cautiously in neonates, especially premature infants with immature renal function
frequent serum level monitoring and ECG monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing, typically 10-15 mcg/kg daily
use lower doses for maintenance, titrate based on clinical response
regular serum digoxin levels and ECG monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildreduce dose by 25%
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
check serum digoxin levels and renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 50%
use with caution, consider alternative therapies if available
frequent serum level monitoring and renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 75% or avoid
use only if essential, consider alternative therapies
very close monitoring of serum levels and clinical status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno significant adjustment needed
standard dosing usually acceptable
routine monitoring of digoxin levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderateconsider slight dose reduction
use with caution, monitor for accumulation
monitor serum digoxin levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with extreme caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring of digoxin levels and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacologic action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy