General Information and Indications:
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and
abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps the heart work better and it
helps control your heart rate.
Information For Users:
Digoxin comes as a tablet, capsule, or pediatric elixir
(liquid) to take by mouth. Digoxin is usually taken once a day. The
pediatric elixir comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the
dose. If you have difficulty, ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it.
It is important that you always take the same brand of digoxin. Different
brands of digoxin have different amounts of active drug and your dose would
need to be changed.
Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or
pharmacist If you have any questions. Take digoxin exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
health care provider.
Digoxin helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue taking
digoxin even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking digoxin without
informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to digoxin, digitoxin, or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antacids, antibiotics, calcium,
corticosteroids, diuretics ('water pills'), other medications for heart
disease, thyroid medications, and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding thyroid problems, heart
arrhythmias, cancer, or kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking digoxin, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking digoxin.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Your doctor may recommend a low-sodium (low-salt) diet and a potassium
supplement. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a list of foods that are low
in sodium and high in potassium. Follow all diet directions carefully.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of digoxin are not
common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o lightheadedness or dizziness
o drowsiness
o vision changes (blurred or yellow)
o rash
o irregular heartbeat
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o diarrhea
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o swelling of the feet or hands
o unusual weight gain
o difficulty breathing
Brand Name(s):
o Digitek®
o Lanoxicaps®
o Lanoxin®
o Lanoxin® Elixir Pediatric |
