Drug interactions
Digoxin + Ibuprofen / famotidine
Severity: Moderate
Digoxin and Ibuprofen / famotidine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ibuprofen can reduce renal function and raise digoxin levels, particularly in neonates, the elderly and those with renal impairment. Famotidine has little clinical effect on digoxin, so the main concern is the NSAID component.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin and Ibuprofen / famotidine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Ibuprofen reduces renal prostaglandin-dependent perfusion and digoxin clearance; famotidine's gastric pH effect is minor.
What to do
Monitor digoxin levels and renal function if the combination is used for more than short courses. Consider an alternative analgesic such as paracetamol in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Digoxin with Ibuprofen / famotidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Digoxin and Ibuprofen / famotidine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ibuprofen can reduce renal function and raise digoxin levels, particularly in neonates, the elderly and those with renal impairment. Famotidine has little clinical effect on digoxin, so the main concern is the NSAID component.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin and Ibuprofen / famotidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor digoxin levels and renal function if the combination is used for more than short courses. Consider an alternative analgesic such as paracetamol in high-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Digoxin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Digoxin with, for example, Lily of the valley, Squill, Adagrasib. The full list is on the Digoxin page.
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