What happens if you forget to take digoxin

For the vast majority of patients an occasional missed dose will have little impact on the outcome of therapy. Most CMI sheets include statements such as:. Having this knowledge when starting therapy may be a simple way to alleviate much patient anxiety and in some cases avoid unwanted clinical consequences. These CMI can be freely accessed from the Medsafe web site: www.

A narrow therapeutic index means only small increases in concentration can cause toxicity and small decreases in concentration can result in loss of efficacy. Examples of medications for which missed doses may be clinically important, and information for patients on what to do if a dose is missed. If one or more tablets are missed from the inactive tablets, no additional contraceptive precautions are necessary, and tablet taking should be recommenced ignoring the missed tablet or tablets.

However, if all the inactive tablets are missed and then the next pack is not started on time, start as soon as it is remembered. Additional contraception such as a condom or a diaphragm must be used for the next 7 days. If an active tablet is forgotten take it as soon as it is remembered, within 12 hours after the time that it is normally taken.

Then take the next and subsequent tablets at the usual time. If there is a delay of more than 12 hours after the time that the tablet is normally taken, contraceptive protection in this cycle may be reduced.

There is more risk in becoming pregnant if tablets are missed during the first week, or at the end of the current pack. Take the missed tablet as soon as it is remembered, even if this means taking two tablets at the same time.

Any earlier missed tablets are left in the pack. Continue taking a daily tablet as usual, and use additional contraceptive precautions except for the rhythm or temperature method for the next 7 days. Many of the side-effects of digoxin are similar to the effects you may experience if your dose is too high. Because of this, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become severe. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Dated January Dated February Do not use teaspoons and tablespoons that are used for serving and eating food. They do not measure exact amounts. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.

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. 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.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are using this medicine to see if it is working properly and to allow for a change in the dose.

Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly may cause a serious change in heart function. Watch for signs and symptoms of overdose while you are taking this medicine.

Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The amount of this medicine needed to help most people is very close to the amount that could cause serious problems from overdose. You may also be asked to have an electrocardiogram ECG to see the effect on your heartbeat. Page last reviewed: 26 February Next review due: 26 February How and when to take digoxin. Dosage The first time you take digoxin you may be asked to take several tablets or amounts of liquid as a single dose — this is called the "initial dose".

How to take it You can take digoxin with or without food, but it's best to take it at the same time each day. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. How long will I take it for? What if I forget to take it?