Digoxin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 19, 2023.

Applies to digoxin: oral solution, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of digoxin

Along with its needed effects, digoxin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking digoxin:

More common side effects

• dizziness
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• slow heartbeat

Rare side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• bloody vomit
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
• severe stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

• chest pain or discomfort
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• swelling of the feet and lower legs
• troubled breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of digoxin

Some side effects of digoxin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• agitation or combativeness
• anxiety
• confusion
• depression
• diarrhea
• expressed fear of impending death
• hallucinations
• rash
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• blurred or loss of vision
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• halos around lights
• headache
• lack of feeling or emotion
• loss of appetite
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• tunnel vision
• weakness
• weight loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to digoxin: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral elixir, oral tablet.

General adverse events

Overall incidence of adverse reactions with this drug has been reported to be 5% to 20%, with 15% to 20% of adverse events considered serious. Cardiac toxicity accounts for about one-half, gastrointestinal disturbances for about one-fourth, and CNS and other toxicity for about one-fourth of these adverse events.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Arrhythmia, conduction disturbances, bigeminy, trigeminy, PR prolongation, sinus bradycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, atrial tachycardia, nodal tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular premature contraction, ST segment depression, atrioventricular block, ventricular fibrillation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lower stomach pain
• Frequency not reported: Intestinal ischemia, intestinal hemorrhagic necrosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Central nervous system (CNS) disturbances, dizziness, drowsiness, headache^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Central nervous system (CNS) disturbances, dizziness, drowsiness, headache^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin rashes of urticarial or scarlatiniform character
• Frequency not reported: Maculopapular rash^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia or loss of appetite^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision or visual disturbances^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression
• Frequency not reported: Apathy, confusion, anxiety, delirium, hallucination
• Postmarketing reports: Psychosis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Further information

Digoxin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer