Digoxin & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin, Digitek. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Digoxin has been associated with depletion of MAGNESIUM. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Digoxin long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Digoxin pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Digoxin
Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.
MAGNESIUM
Moderate DepletionDIGOXIN (Lanoxin)
Digoxin decreases renal tubular reabsorption of magnesium, increasing excretion in the urine. People taking digoxin for heart failure may also be taking loop or thiazide diuretics, increasing the potential for hypomagnesemia. Low magnesium levels increase the risk of arrhythmias associated with high digoxin levels. For information on foods that are rich in magnesium, see our chart.
Magnesium helps keep your heart rhythm steady and your muscles and nerves working properly, so it matters quite a bit when you are on a heart medication like digoxin. Digoxin appears to interfere with how the kidneys reclaim magnesium, causing more of it to spill out in the urine than usual. This is rated a moderate concern, and the risk goes up further if you are also taking a diuretic for heart failure. It is worth asking your pharmacist or doctor whether your magnesium level should be checked, since low levels and digoxin together can be a tricky combination for heart rhythm.
What Magnesium does & food sources
Magnesium is involved in muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, blood sugar control, and bone health.
Common food sources:
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds)
- Whole grains
- Leafy green vegetables
- Beans and legumes
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask whether a magnesium level is worth checking if you take an associated medication long-term — particularly with symptoms like muscle cramps, twitching, or palpitations. Blood levels do not always reflect total body stores, which is worth discussing too.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Magnesium supplements come in many forms and can cause loose stools at higher doses. They can also bind some medications in the gut (certain antibiotics, thyroid medication), so timing matters — check with your pharmacist.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Magnesium supplementation can be risky in kidney disease, where magnesium can accumulate — always check with a clinician first if your kidney function is reduced.
Learn more about this nutrient: Magnesium — uses, safety & interactions
References (4)
- Schwinger RH, Eromann E. Heart failure and electrolyte disturbances. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1992;14:315-25.
- Gottlieb SS. Importance of magnesium in congestive heart failure. Am J Cardiol 1989;63:39G-42G.. PubMed
- Ryan MP. Diuretics and potassium/magnesium depletion. Directions for treatment. Am J Med 1987;82:38-47.. PubMed
- Raja Rao MP, Panduranga P, Sulaiman K, Al-Jufaili M. Digoxin toxicity with normal digoxin and serum potassium levels: beware of magnesium, the hidden malefactor. J Emerg Med 2013;45(2):e31-4. PubMed
This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.
Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
More about Digoxin
What drug-induced nutrient depletion means
Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.
Association is not deficiency
An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.
Evidence varies by pair
Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.
When to ask about labs
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.
Don't self-supplement blindly
Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.
Never stop a medication over this
These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Food first, usually
For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.
Digoxin & nutrients: FAQs
Does Digoxin deplete MAGNESIUM?
Should I take a supplement because I take Digoxin?
Should I stop taking Digoxin?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Digoxin and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Digoxin are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this page.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for medication overviews across the site.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.