Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 8/28/2025

Digoxin and Hypotension

Adverse Effects of Digoxin

  • The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms, such as anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, as common adverse effects of digoxin 1, 2
  • The European Society of Cardiology notes that neurological effects, including dizziness, blurred vision, and headache, are associated with digoxin use 3
  • Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly with toxicity, are a documented adverse effect of digoxin, according to the American College of Cardiology and European Heart Journal 2, 3
  • Visual disturbances are also a recognized adverse effect of digoxin, as reported by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology 1, 2

Comparison with Other Medications

  • The American Heart Association states that beta-blockers, such as esmolol, metoprolol, and propranolol, can cause hypotension as a well-documented side effect 1, 4
  • The American College of Cardiology notes that calcium channel blockers, including diltiazem and verapamil, commonly cause hypotension 1, 2
  • The American Heart Association reports that amiodarone can cause hypotension, especially with intravenous administration 1, 5

Clinical Implications

  • The American College of Cardiology recommends monitoring patients on digoxin for signs of toxicity, such as nausea, visual changes, and arrhythmias, rather than hypotension 1, 2
  • The European Heart Journal advises adjusting digoxin dosing based on renal function, as digoxin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys 2, 3
  • The American Heart Association warns that drug interactions, particularly with amiodarone, verapamil, and other P-glycoprotein inhibitors, can increase digoxin levels 1, 2