Lanoxin (Digoxin)

What is Lanoxin?

Lanoxin belongs to a group of medications known as cardiac glycosides found in a number of plants.

What is Lanoxin used for?

Lanoxin is indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation (heart rhythm disorder of the atria). The medicine is also used to treat irregular heartbeat which further helps reduce the risk of blood clots.

How does Lanoxin work?

Lanoxin works by affecting certain minerals, such as potassium or sodium, in heart cells. This reduces strain on the heart and thereby helps maintain a steady and normal heartbeat.

How to use Lanoxin

Lanoxin should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours before or after eating fiber-rich food content. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take kaolin-pectin, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, antacids, milk of magnesia, or aminosalicylic acid along with Lanoxin.

If you are using the liquid form of the medicine, measure the dose using the dropper that came with the medicine. Do not use standard measuring devices such as tablespoon or teaspoon.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Lanoxin warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to Lanoxin or if you have ventricular fibrillation (heart rhythm disorder of the ventricles).

Prior to taking Lanoxin, tell your doctor if you have certain heart conditions like “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker), thyroid disorder, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in blood), or if you have had a heart attack recently. Also tell your doctor if you have been sick recently with diarrhea or vomiting.

Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated in hot weather, during exercise, or by not taking enough fluids.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Lanoxin dose?

If you have missed your Lanoxin dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away.

What do I do if I have taken a Lanoxin overdose?

If you have taken a Lanoxin overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Lanoxin interactions

Before taking Lanoxin, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like diuretic (water pill) such as spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone); an antacid or Kaopectate; cancer medicines; medications or supplements containing calcium; metoclopramide (Reglan); sulfasalazine (Azulfidine); epinephrine (EpiPen); itraconazole (Sporanox); rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate); clonidine (Catapres); levothyroxine (Levothroid Synthroid); cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran); alprazolam (Xanax); isoproterenol (Isuprel); an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tab, EryPed, E.E.S., Erythrocin), or tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Brodspec,Tetracap); indomethacin (Indocin); neomycin (Neo-Fradin, Mycifradin, Neo-Tab); a beta-blocker such as metoprolol (Toprol, Lopressor), carvedilol (Coreg); guanfacine (Tenex) or guanabenz (Wytensin); amphotericin B (AmBisome, Fungizone, Abelcet); a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia, Tiazac,Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), v

Lanoxin side effects

Lanoxin side effects include hives, breathing trouble, blurred or pale vision, confusion, black or bloody stools, hallucinations, uneven heart rate; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Lanoxin, contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, weakness, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mild skin rash, diarrhea, and enlarged breasts in men are some less serious side effects of Lanoxin.