Digoxin and Your Child

This handout explains how this medicine can help your child, how to give it, and possible side effects.

How can digoxin help your child?

• It treats heart failure.

• It can treat heart (abnormal heartbeats) arrhythmias.

 

What is important to know about digoxin?

• Be sure to tell all your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentist, and other healthcare providers that your child is taking this medicine.

• Keep this medicine in a safe place away from children.

• If a child finds and takes this medicine by accident, it can cause death.

• Call 911 if your child takes this medicine by mistake.

What are the common side effects of digoxin?

• Stomach discomfort

• Throwing up (vomiting)

• Fast or slow heartbeat

• Abnormal heartbeat that is new or worse

 

What happens if your child misses a dose?

• If your child misses a dose, give them the dose when you remember.

• If, however, it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your child’s regular medicine schedule. 

• Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please tell a member of the care team.

 

 

Created in partnership with families and expertise from our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

 

©2024 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.