General Info: Uses and Effects

Lanoxin Generic (Digoxin) is used for the treatment of heart failure. It is usually a part of the treatment plan and is often prescribed with other medications. It is also used for the treatment of some other types of irregular heartbeat like chronic atrial fibrillation. Using this drug for the treatment of heart failure may help to maintain your ability to do your normal every day activities and may enhance the strength of the heart. Using it to treat irregular heartbeat may reduce the risk of blood clots which can minimize the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Lanoxin Digoxin is in a class of drugs that is called cardiac glycosides. The drug works by impacting on specific minerals (potassium and sodium) in the cells of the heart. This minimizes tension on the heart and assists it to maintain a steady, strong, and normal heartbeat.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before you start your treatment with Lanoxin Digoxin, it is crucial that you inform your doctor if you are allergic to its ingredients or if you have any type of allergies. This medication may contain certain inactive ingredients that can result in allergic reactions. You should discuss with your doctor on the details of possible allergic reactions. You need to inform your physician about your medical history before you start taking this medicine. Let your doctor know if you have thyroid problems (overactive or underactive), or kidney problems. This drug can also cause blurred vision or make you feel dizzy. Do not handle machinery, drive, or engage in any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can do it safely. While taking Lanoxin Digoxin, it is important that you reduce your intake of alcohol and discuss with your doctor if you are taking marijuana.

Some certain natural minerals in your blood, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, can impact on how the drug functions in your body. Some drugs, like ‘water pills' can affect the balance of these minerals. You should therefore inform your doctor if you are taking water pills or if you have ever had a case of mineral imbalance.

Infants may be highly sensitive to the impacts of the medication, especially on their heartbeats. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant as this drug can only be used in pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary. You should discuss the possible risks with your physician before you commence your treatment. Digoxin can also pass into breast milk. You should therefore discuss with your doctor if you are nursing a baby, although there is no reports on whether it can harm a baby.

Instructions on Taking

Eating meals that are high in fibre may reduce the level of absorption of the drug in your body system. There are also some certain types of medications that can hamper the absorption of this medicine. It is therefore recommended that you take the drug at least two hours before or after having a meal that is high in fibre. For patients who are taking Colestipol, Psyllium, or Cholestyramine, it is essential that you wait for at least two hours before using Lanoxin Digoxin. If you have also been prescribed with antacids, milk of magnesia, kaolin pectin, Sulfasalazine, Metoclopramine, or Aminosalicycylic acid, you should keep them far apart from Digoxin. In case there is any aspect of your prescription or instructions that you are not familiar with, you should talk to your doctor for clarification. Usually, your dose will be prescribed by your physician.

You should use this medication regularly to enjoy the full health benefits. To ensure you don't miss your dose, try taking the drug at the same time each day. Do not stop your medication without the approval of your doctor. This is because your condition can worsen if you stop abruptly.

Dosage

Lanoxin Digoxin should be taken by mouth with or without food. It is usually taken once a day or as prescribed by your physician. If you have been prescribed the liquid form of the medication, it is important that you measure your dose correctly using the measuring device provided by your pharmacist. It is not recommended that you use a household spoon to avoid getting incorrect dose. The dosage of the drug is dependent on your medical health, laboratory test, body weight, age, and response to the treatment.

Side Effects

There are some common side effects that you can experience while taking the medication. Some of the adverse effects you can experience include vomiting dizziness, nausea, headache, diarreah, and loss of appetite. These effects will usually resolve but if it worsens over time, contact your doctor immediately. It is important to remember that your physician has prescribed Lanoxin Digoxin for you because they believe that the health benefits outweigh the risk associated with the side effects. There are also many people who use the medication without experiencing any serious side effects.

You should inform your physician immediately if you experience some rare but severe side effects, such as vision changes (green/yellow vision), weakness, tender/enlarged breast in men, or mood/mental changes. Although Digoxin is used for the treatment of some types of irregular heartbeat, patients can still experience some type of irregular heartbeats while using the medication. You should therefore inform your doctor immediately if you notice an unusually slow/irregular/fast heartbeat.

Rarely, patients experience some rare allergic reaction while taking the medication. If you notice any rare but severe side effects of allergic reaction, such as rash, severe dizziness, itching/swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or trouble breathing, you should inform your physician immediately.

It is important to state that the list of side effects mentioned here is not exhaustive. You therefore need to call for urgent medical help if you experience any serious side effects other than the ones mentioned here.

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are other medications that can interact with Lanoxin Digoxin. When there is an interaction, it can affect how a medication works and its impact on the side effects. You should inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications, prescription or non-prescription, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some drugs that can interact with Digoxin include azole antifungals (like Itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as Erythromycin, Clarithromycin), Lapatinib, Dronedarone, St. John wort, Propafenone, and Rifampin.