This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Lanoxin Consumer Information
LANOXIN
Generic Name: digoxin (oral) (di JOX in)
Brand Names: Cardoxin, Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin
What is the most important information I should know about digoxin?
- Do not stop taking digoxin suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse. Even if you feel better, you need to keep taking this medication to help the heart work properly. Make sure you always have enough digoxin on hand for vacations and holidays.
- Ask your doctor to teach you how to monitor your heart rate and at what heart rate you should notify them before taking any more medication.
What is digoxin?
- Digoxin helps the heart to beat more strongly and regularly.
- Digoxin is used to treat conditions such as congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (types of fast heartbeats).
- Digoxin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking digoxin?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- have kidney disease;
- have thyroid disease, or
- are taking any other heart medication.
- You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring while taking digoxin.
- Digoxin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether digoxin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Digoxin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from digoxin. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.
How should I take digoxin?
- Take digoxin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Try to take digoxin at the same time every day.
- Ask your doctor to teach you how to monitor your heart rate and at what heart rate you should notify them before taking any more medication.
- Do not stop taking digoxin suddenly. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse. Even if you feel better, you may need to keep taking this medication to help the heart work properly. Make sure you always have enough digoxin on hand for vacations and holidays.
- Your doctor may want to perform blood tests during treatment with digoxin to monitor the amount of medication in your body.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose up to 12 hours late. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do Not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a digoxin overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, light "halos" around objects, green or yellow vision, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and abnormally fast or slow heartbeats.
What should I avoid while taking digoxin?
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking digoxin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.