Digoxin
COMMON BRAND(S): Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin
GENERIC NAME(S): Digoxin
Uses
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure, usually along with other medications. It is also used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeat (such as chronic atrial fibrillation). Treating heart failure may help maintain your ability to walk and exercise and may improve the strength of your heart. Treating an irregular heartbeat can decrease the risk for blood clots, an effect that may reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Digoxin belongs to a class of medications called cardiac glycosides. It works by affecting certain minerals (sodium and potassium) inside heart cells. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it maintain a normal, steady, and strong heartbeat.
How to use Digoxin
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using the dropper provided by the manufacturer. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Your body may not absorb this drug as well if you also eat foods that are high in fiber or if you take certain medications. Therefore, take this medication at least 2 hours before or after eating food products that are high in fiber (such as bran). If you are also taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or psyllium, wait at least 2 hours after taking your digoxin dose before taking any of these products. If you are taking antacids, kaolin-pectin, milk of magnesia, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, or aminosalicylic acid, take them as far apart from your digoxin dose as possible. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure when to take any of your medications.
The dosage of this medication is based on your medical condition, age, body weight, laboratory tests, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weakness, mental/mood changes, vision changes (such as blurred or yellow/green vision), enlarged/tender breasts in men.
Though this medication is used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat, it may rarely cause other types of irregular heartbeats. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking digoxin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as digitoxin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, thyroid problems (underactive or overactive).
This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear visionuntil you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
The balance of certain natural minerals in your blood (calcium, magnesium, potassium) can affect how this drug works in your body. Certain drugs such as "water pills" (diuretics) may affect the normal balance of these minerals. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a "water pill" or if you have a history of mineral imbalance. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take a nutritional supplement or follow a special diet.
Before having surgery or certain procedures on your heart (such as electrical cardioversion), tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
Infants and children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially the effects on the heartbeat.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Digoxin passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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