Brand
name: Lanoxin /
Digoxin
Pronounced: la-NOCKS-in
Generic name: Digoxin
Other brand name: Digitek
Why is Lanoxin prescribed?
Lanoxin is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, certain
types of irregular heartbeat, and other heart problems. It improves
the strength and efficiency of your heart, which leads to better circulation
of blood and reduction of the uncomfortable swelling that is common
in people with congestive heart failure. Lanoxin is usually prescribed
along with a water pill (to help relieve swelling) and a drug called
an ACE inhibitor (to further improve circulation). It belongs to a
class of drugs known as digitalis glycosides.
Most important fact about Lanoxin
You should not stop taking Lanoxin without first consulting your doctor.
A sudden absence of the drug could cause a serious change in your heart
function. You will probably have to take Lanoxin for a long time--possibly
for the rest of your life.
How should you take Lanoxin without prescriptions?
Lanoxin usually is taken once daily. To help you remember your dose,
try to take it at the same time every day, for instance when brushing
your teeth in the morning or going to bed at night.
Lanoxin is available in tablet, capsule, liquid, and injectable forms.
If you are taking the liquid form, use the specially marked dropper
that comes with it.
It's best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. However, if this
upsets your stomach, you can take Lanoxin with food.
Avoid taking this medicine with high-bran/high-fiber foods, such as
certain breakfast cereals.
Do not change from one brand of Lanoxin to another without first consulting
your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse rate while taking Lanoxin.
Slowing or quickening of your pulse could mean you are developing side
effects to your prescribed dose. The amount of Lanoxin needed to help
most people is very close to the amount that could cause serious problems
from overdose, so monitoring your pulse can be very important.
If you miss a dose Lanoxin (Digoxin)...
If you remember within 12 hours, take it immediately. If you remember
later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. If you miss doses 2 or more days
in a row, consult your doctor.
Storage instructions Lanoxin (Digoxin)
Store Lanoxin at room temperature in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and away from moist places and direct light. Keep out of reach
of children. Digitalis-type drugs such as Lanoxin are a major cause
of accidental poisoning in the young.
Lanoxin side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Lanoxin.
* Side effects may include:
Apathy, blurred vision, breast development in males, change in heartbeat, confusion,
diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, lower stomach pain, nausea,
psychosis, rash, vomiting, weakness, yellow vision
Why should Lanoxin not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lanoxin
or other digitalis preparations, you should not take this medication.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Lanoxin should not be taken by people with the heart irregularity
known as ventricular fibrillation.
Lanoxin should not be used, alone or with other drugs, for weight
reduction. It can cause irregular heartbeat and other dangerous, even
fatal, reactions.
Special warnings about Lanoxin
Your doctor will prescribe Lanoxin with caution--if at all--in the
presence of certain heart disorders, including sinus node disease,
AV block, certain disorders of the left ventricle, and "Wolff-Parkinson-White
syndrome." Caution is also advised if you have poor kidneys, a
thyroid disorder, or an imbalance in your calcium, potassium, or magnesium
levels.
Tell the doctor that you are taking Lanoxin if you have a medical
emergency and before you have surgery or dental treatment.
Even if you have no symptoms, do not change your dose or discontinue
the use of Lanoxin before consulting with your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lanoxin
In general, you should avoid nonprescription medicines, such as antacids;
laxatives; cough, cold, and allergy remedies; and diet aids, except
on professional advice.
If Lanoxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Lanoxin with the following:
Airway-opening drugs such as Proventil and Ventolin
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Amiloride (Midamor)
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta
Antibiotics such as neomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and clarithromycin
Beta-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Tenormin and Inderal
Calcium (injectable form)
Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Calan SR, Cardizem, and
Procardia
Certain anticancer drugs such as Neosar
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Heartbeat-regulating drugs such as Quinidex
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Kaolin-pectin
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Propantheline (Pro-Banthine)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Steroids such as Decadron and Deltasone
Succinylcholine (Anectine)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Thyroid hormones such as Synthroid
Water pills such as Lasix
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Lanoxin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Lanoxin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing
infant. If Lanoxin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to discontinue breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Lanoxin
Your doctor will determine your dosage based on several factors: (1)
the disease being treated; (2) your body weight; (3) your kidney function;
(4) your age; and (5) other diseases you have or drugs you are taking.
If you are receiving Lanoxin for the first time, you may be rapidly "digitalized" (a
larger first dose may be taken, followed by smaller maintenance doses),
or gradually "digitalized" (maintenance doses only), depending
on your doctor's recommendation.
ADULTS
Overdosage
Suspected overdoses of Lanoxin must be treated immediately; you should
contact your doctor or emergency room without delay.
* Symptoms of Lanoxin overdose include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, nausea, very
slow pulse, vomiting
In infants and children, irregular heartbeat is the most common sign
of overdose.
