Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: DIGOXIN - ORAL (didge-OX-in)
BRAND NAME(S): Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Digoxin works directly on the heart muscle to strengthen and regulate the heartbeat. It is used to treat certain heart conditions.
HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. It may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day, exactly as directed. Foods high in fiber may decrease the absorption of digoxin into your bloodstream. Take digoxin at least two hours before or after eating food products high in fiber (such as bran). Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, headache, muscle weakness, and fatigue may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: confusion, visual disturbances (blurred vision or yellow/green halos around objects), fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, skin rash, breast enlargement, severe stomach upset. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have a history of: liver or kidney disease, lung disease, thyroid problems, rheumatic fever. Difficulty breathing and swelling in your lower legs and ankles may be signs that your dose is too low. If normal activity causes shortness of breath or if you awaken frequently during the night due to shortness of breath, tell your doctor. Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take digoxin. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Digoxin is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
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.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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