digoxin – oral, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin

USES: Digoxin is used to treat heart failure, usually with other medications. It is also used to treat irregular heartbeat (chronic atrial fibrillation). Treating heart failure may help maintain ability to walk, exercise, and improve heart strength. Treating irregular heartbeat can decrease risk for blood clots, reducing risk for 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, reducing strain on the heart and maintaining a normal, steady heartbeat.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If using the liquid form, measure the dose using the dropper provided. Do not use a household spoon. Your body may not absorb this drug well if you eat high-fiber foods or take certain medications. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or after eating high-fiber foods. Wait at least 2 hours after taking digoxin before taking cholestyramine, colestipol, psyllium or antacids. Take antacids, kaolin-pectin, milk of magnesia, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, or aminosalicylic acid as far apart from digoxin dose as possible. The dosage of this medication is based on medical condition, age, body weight, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weakness, mental/mood changes, vision changes, enlarged/tender breasts in men. Though this medication is used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat, it may infrequently cause other types of irregular heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking digoxin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or similar drugs 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. The balance of certain natural minerals in your blood can affect how this drug works in your body. Certain drugs such as "water pills" 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. Before having surgery or certain procedures on your heart, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. Infants and children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Other medications can affect the removal of digoxin from your body, which may affect how digoxin works. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could worsen your heart failure. Ask your pharmacist for more details.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: This medication is for your use only. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

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MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 12 hours of your scheduled dose. If it is more than 12 hours after your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you miss more than 2 doses in a row, call your doctor to get a new dosing schedule. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

Report Problems to the FDA

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.