Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: DIGOXIN - INJECTION (didge-OX-in)

BRAND NAME(S): Lanoxin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat heart problems, including irregular heartbeat or congestive heart failure.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein(IV) or (infrequently) into a muscle (IM). The dosage is variable, depending on the diseases involved, the person's age, kidney function among other factors. A larger initial dose may be given (loading dose) followed by once a day doses until oral medication can be used in adults. In newborns, the dosage is variable. Beyond the newborn stage, children's doses are larger than adult doses per kilogram of weight up to age 10. A child over 10 years of age usually receives an adult dose, adjusted for body weight.

SIDE EFFECTS: Report promptly any loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat/palpitations, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fatigue, muscle weakness or vision changes. Unlikely but report promptly: dizziness, fainting, mood changes, confusion, mental or emotional changes. Very unlikely but report promptly: black stool, seizures. Notify your doctor immediately in the unlikely event an allergic reaction occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems, lung or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, low thyroid function (hypothyroid), low potassium levels. Limit alcohol intake (e.g., certain liquid medications containing alcohol) since the side effects of this medication may be increased by alcohol. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.