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Proper Use
To keep your heart working properly, take this medicine exactly as directed even though you may feel well. Do not take more of it than your doctor ordered and do not miss any doses. Take the medicine at the same time each day. This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood.
When you are taking this medicine, it is very important that you get the exact amount of medicine that you need. The dose of digoxin will be different for different patients. Your doctor will determine the proper dose of digoxin for you. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.
Measure the oral solution correctly using the marked measuring dropper or Patients cups™ that comes with the package. Rinse the dosing dropper or cup with water after each use.
Your doctor may want you to check your pulse before you take each dose of this medicine. A nurse or other caregiver can teach you how to check your pulse. Your doctor will tell you how fast your pulse should be (for adults, the usual range is 60 to 100 heartbeats per minute). If your pulse is too high or too low, call your doctor before you take the medicine.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For heart failure or atrial fibrillation:
- For oral dosage form (solution):
- Adults—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually 3 microgram per kilogram per day (mcg/kg/day).
- Teenagers and children above 2 years of age—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually 10 microgram per kilogram per day (mcg/kg/day).
- Children below 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults—Your doctor will give your first few doses intravenously (rapid digitalization) and then, you'll be switched to oral tablets for maintenance therapy. A maintenance dose of 0.125 to 0.5 milligram (mg) once a day will be given depending on your body weight and medical condition.
- Teenagers and children above 10 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
- Children below 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (solution):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, and you remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions about this or if you miss doses for 2 or more days in a row, check with your doctor.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
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