Lanoxin

Common Name: digoxin

How does Lanoxin work?

Digoxin is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and for the treatment of certain types of abnormal heart rhythms. It helps to reduce the symptoms of congestive heart failure (e.g., swelling in the ankles, feet, and hands; shortness of breath; frequent fatigue) by helping to increase the strength of the heart so that it pumps more efficiently. Digoxin also helps to maintain a normal heart rhythm. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Lanoxin?

The dose varies widely depending on age, disease, weight, and kidney function. Higher doses are often given at the start of treatment, but daily adult doses usually range between 0.0625 mg and 0.25 mg daily. Children's doses are individually determined by their doctor. Digoxin is normally taken once daily at the same time each day. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, and you remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is more than 12 hours after your last dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you miss two doses in a row, call your doctor for instruction.

What form(s) does Lanoxin come in?

Lanoxin® is available as an injection, pediatric elixir, or tablets. Injection: Each mL contains digoxin 0.05 mg (50 µg) (pediatric strength) or 0.25 mg (250 µg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol, anhydrous citric acid, propylene glycol, and sodium phosphate. Pediatric elixir: Each mL of clear, light-green coloured liquid with a lime odour and taste, contains digoxin 0.05 mg (50 µg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol 11.5 mL/100 mL of elixir, citric acid, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Yellow No. 10, lime oil concentrate, methylparaben, propylene glycol, sodium phosphate, sucrose, and water. This medication does not contain tartrazine. Tablets: 0.0625 mg: Each round, peach, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet, marked "LANOXIN U3A", contains digoxin 0.0625 mg (62.5 µg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, and starch (corn and potato). This medication does not contain tartrazine. 0.125 mg: Each round, yellow, flat-faced tablet, marked "LANOXIN Y3B" on the same side as a score mark, contains digoxin 0.125 mg (125 µg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, and starch (corn and potato). This medication does not contain tartrazine. 0.25 mg: Each round, white tablet, marked "LANOXIN X3A" on the same side as a score mark, contains digoxin 0.25 mg (250 µg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, and starch (corn and potato). This medication does not contain dye or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Lanoxin?

Digoxin should not be used by anyone who has certain abnormal heart rhythms or is allergic to digoxin or any of the ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Lanoxin?

Kidney disease: People with kidney disease may need a lower dose of digoxin. Magnesium levels: Low blood levels of magnesium increase the risk of side effects with digoxin. It is important that magnesium levels be checked periodically when taking digoxin. Potential overdose: The difference between an effective dose and an overdose is less for this medication than for most. Therefore, it is important to take the drug exactly as prescribed. Anyone developing loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting while taking this medication should contact their doctor, as it may be a sign that the dose is too high. Potassium levels: Low blood levels of potassium increase the risk of overdose with digoxin. It is important that potassium levels be checked periodically, especially when taking medications that can change the levels of potassium in the blood (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide). Pregnancy: Digoxin should be taken by pregnant women only if clearly needed, as the effects of this medication during pregnancy are currently unknown. Breast-feeding: The amount of digoxin that passes into breast milk is not likely to affect a nursing infant. Nevertheless, caution should be used when digoxin is taken by a breast-feeding woman.