Metildigoxin

This medicine contains the active ingredient metildigoxin which belongs to a group of medicines called ‘cardiac glycosides’. These medicines affect your heart by causing it not to beat very fast, and they also make the force of the heartbeat stronger. Metildigoxin is prescribed for the treatment of heart failure (heart pumps blood weaker than usually) and atrial flutter or fibrillation or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (heart beats too fast or unevenly).

Is Metildigoxin suitable for me?

Metildigoxin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to metildigoxin or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have any heart rhythm problems other than those mentioned above
• if you do not have enough potassium, calcium or magnesium in the blood
• if you have one of the following heart diseases: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, thoracic aortic aneurysm, carotid sinus syndrome, sick sinus syndrome

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have kidney or liver problems
• have a lung problem
• have thyroid problems
• have digestion problems
• are pregnant, breastfeeding
• have suffered a heart attack or have other heart disease
• have high blood pressure
• have myxedema
• have hypoxia or severe lung disease
• suffer from malabsorption
• have a disorder of electrolytes in the blood
• have reduced or increased levels of thyroid hormones in the blood
• are elderly

Metildigoxin interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Metildigoxin?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take metildigoxin exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

• The usual starting dose for adults is 0.2 mg taken three times a day for 2 to 4 days.
• The usual maintenance dose is 0.05 to 0.3 mg per day (usually 0.15 to 0.2 mg per day) in a single dose or in divided doses.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Metildigoxin side effects?

Like all medicines metildigoxin can cause side effects, including:

• heart rhythm disorders
• nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• headache
• dizziness, drowsiness
• insomnia
• blurred vision

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.