Digoxin/Metoclopramide Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

Metoclopramide may slow down how quickly your body absorbs your digoxin.

What might happen:

The amount of digoxin in your blood may decrease and it may not work as well. If you stop taking metoclopramide, the amount of digoxin in your blood may increase and cause extra side effects.

What you should do about this interaction:

Let your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together and if you stop taking metoclopramide. Separate the times you take your digoxin and metoclopramide by as much time as possible. If you have questions about when to take your medicines, ask your pharmacist. Your doctor may want to check the amount of digoxin in your blood and may need to change the dose of your digoxin.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

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  • 6.Lanoxin (digoxin) Elixir US prescribing information. GlaxoSmithKline August, 2018.
  • 7.Lanoxin (digoxin) Tablets US prescribing information. Covis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. August, 2018.
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  • 9.Kirch W, Janisch HD, Santos SR, Duhrsen U, Dylewicz P, Ohnhaus EE. Effect of cisapride and metoclopramide on digoxin bioavailability. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1986 Oct-Dec;11(4):249-50.
  • 10.Johnson BF, Bustrack JA, Urbach DR, Hull JH, Marwaha R. Effect of metoclopramide on digoxin absorption from tablets and capsules. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1984 Dec;36(6):724-30.
  • 11.Johnson BF, O'Grady J, Bye C. The influence of digoxin particle size on absorption of digoxin and the effect of propantheline and metoclopramide. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978 May;5(5):465-7.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.