Lanoxin

Generic name: Digoxin

What is Lanoxin?

Lanoxin is used to treat mild to moderate chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation (irregular, fast heartbeat).

What is the most important information I should know about Lanoxin?

You should not stop taking Lanoxin without first speaking to your doctor. Suddenly withdrawing the drug could cause a serious change in your heart function. Even if you feel better, you need to keep taking this medication to help the heart work properly.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Lanoxin; this drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lanoxin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Your doctor may schedule lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG), electrolytes, and blood digoxin levels, periodically while you use Lanoxin. These tests will monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Who should not take Lanoxin?

Do not take Lanoxin if you are sensitive to the drug or if you have an abnormal heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lanoxin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lanoxin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have calcium, potassium, or magnesium imbalances; certain heart problems, including sinus node disease, AV block, a disorder of the left ventricle, or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, abnormal heart rhythms or extra heartbeats; a history of heart attack, kidney disease, underactive or overactive thyroid, fainting due to heart problems, or liver or lung problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

If you are receiving Lanoxin for the first time, you may be rapidly "digitalized" (a larger first dose may be given, followed by smaller maintenance doses), or gradually "digitalized" (maintenance doses only), depending on your doctor's recommendation. If your doctor feels you need rapid digitalization, your first few doses may be given through your veins. You will then be switched to tablets or capsules for long-term maintenance.

Adults: A single initial dose of 500 micrograms (mcg) to 750 mcg usually produces a minimal affect within half an hour to 2 hours; the maximal affect occurs in 2 to 6 hours. Additional doses of 125 mcg to 375 mcg may given cautiously at 6- to 8-hour intervals.

A typical maintenance dose might be 0.125 milligrams (mg) or 0.25 mg taken once daily, but individual requirements vary widely. Your doctor will determine the exact dose based on your needs. Therapy is generally initiated at a dose of 250 mcg once daily in patients <70 years with good kidney function; at 125 mcg once daily in patients >70 years or those with impaired kidney function, and at 62.5 mcg in patients with marked kidney impairment.

Doses may be increased every 2 weeks according to response.

Children: Infants and young children usually have their daily dose divided into smaller doses. Children >10 years take adult dosages in proportion to body weight. The dosage will be determined by your doctor.

How should I take Lanoxin?

Take Lanoxin exactly as prescribed. It is usually taken once daily. Take Lanoxin on an empty stomach. However, if the drug upsets your stomach, you can take it with food.

Do not stop taking Lanoxin without first speaking to your doctor. A sudden absence of the drug could cause a serious change in your heart function. Even if you feel better, you need to keep taking this medication to help the heart work properly.

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.

Do not use Lanoxin injection if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

What should I avoid while taking Lanoxin?

Avoid taking Lanoxin with high-bran/high-fiber foods, such as certain breakfast cereals.

Do not change from one form of Lanoxin to another without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not drive or perform other possibly hazardous tasks until you know how you react to Lanoxin; this drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Do not miss any doctor or lab appointments. Lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG), electrolytes, and blood digoxin levels, may be performed while you use Lanoxin.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lanoxin?

If Lanoxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lanoxin with the following: alprazolam, amiodarone, antacids, anticancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide, beta-blockers (such as atenolol and propranolol), calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem or verapamil), cholestyramine, clarithromycin, cough, cold, and allergy remedies, diphenoxylate, erythromycin, indomethacin, itraconazole, kaolin-pectin, metoclopramide, neomycin, propafenone, propantheline, quinidine, rifampin, spironolactone, succinylcholine, sulfasalazine, tetracycline, thyroid hormones

What are the possible side effects of Lanoxin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: breast development in males, change in heartbeat, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, lower stomach pain, nausea, rash, vomiting, weakness

Digoxin can produce visual disturbances (blurred or yellow vision), apathy, and mental disturbances (such as anxiety, depression, delirium, and hallucinations). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Can I receive Lanoxin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Lanoxin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Use caution when taking Lanoxin while breastfeeding because this drug is found in breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lanoxin?

If you remember within 12 hours, take it immediately. If you remember later, skip the missed dose 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, talk to your doctor.

How should I store Lanoxin?

Store Lanoxin at room temperature in the container it came in, tightly closed, and away from moist places and direct light.