What is a potential side effect of using digoxin that patients should be made aware of?

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used primarily for the treatment of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. One important side effect that patients should be aware of is visual disturbances. These disturbances can manifest as changes in color perception, such as seeing a yellow or green tint, or experiencing blurred vision. This occurs because digoxin affects the visual processing pathways in the body, and it's essential for patients to recognize these symptoms, as they may indicate digoxin toxicity.

Recognizing visual disturbances early can help in adjusting the medication dosage or switching to an alternative treatment, thus ensuring safer management of their condition. Monitoring for signs of digoxin toxicity is crucial, particularly in patients with decreased renal function or those taking other medications that could influence digoxin levels.