Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking digoxin as follows:
- Absorption of digoxin could be inhibited by foods rich in fiber, such as brown rice, green leafy vegetables, and bran. Absorption of digoxin could also be inhibited by antacids, such as, milk of magnesia and drugs used to reduce cholesterol, such as, cholestyramine and colestipol, thus compromising the therapeutic benefits of digoxin intake. So, try to space out digoxin by atleast 2 – 3 hours with any food items rich in fiber content, antacid medications, and drugs used to reduce cholesterol.
- Digoxin interacts with a lot of other medications, such as, diuretics, OTC mineral supplements, and antibacterial/antifungal antibiotics, thus resulting in complications. If you are being newly started on digoxin, discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications and their safety with digoxin. Also, notify your physician regarding any current digoxin intake, if you are being started on any new medications and discuss their safety with digoxin.
- Observe compliance with log maintenance of every day blood pressure and heart rate readings. If the blood pressure and heart rate are being grossly altered from safe limits defined for you, notify your doctor on the same. This can help allow appropriate adjustments with digoxin dose and necessary changes in plan of care.
