LANOXIN

Do not use Lanoxin in people with the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to digoxin or any of its components should not use this medication.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Digoxin is generally contraindicated in individuals with ventricular fibrillation, a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by irregular and chaotic electrical activity in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles).
• Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis (IHSS): Digoxin is contraindicated in individuals with IHSS, a condition where there is obstruction to blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart.
• Uncontrolled Hyperthyroidism: Digoxin should be used with caution in individuals with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, as it may worsen the condition. However, it may still be used if necessary, under close medical supervision.
• Certain Heart Rhythm Disorders: Digoxin should be used cautiously in individuals with certain heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response, as it may increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.

Lanoxin may have the following side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting: These digestive symptoms are relatively common with digoxin use. Taking the medication with food may help reduce these effects.
• Loss of appetite: Some individuals may experience a decrease in appetite while taking digoxin.
• Headache: Headaches are occasionally reported as a side effect of digoxin. If severe or persistent, it’s important to notify a healthcare provider.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Digoxin can sometimes cause dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness. It’s important to be cautious when standing up from a sitting or lying position to avoid falls.
• Fatigue or weakness: Some individuals may experience increased fatigue or weakness while taking digoxin.
• Visual disturbances: In rare cases, digoxin can cause changes in vision, such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision. If this occurs, it should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

Keep in mind that your physician has recommended this drug since he or she has known that the advantage to you is more noteworthy than the risk of adverse reactions. Many individuals utilizing this medicine don’t have serious side effects.

A serious allergy to this medication is uncommon. In any case, seek emergency medical help if you see any manifestations of a serious allergic response, including a rash, tingling or swelling particularly of the face or tongue or throat, dizziness or difficulty in breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you see other effects not recorded above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

• Regular Monitoring: Digoxin levels in the blood should be monitored regularly to ensure they are within the therapeutic range. This helps prevent toxicity or suboptimal effectiveness. Blood tests will also assess kidney function and electrolyte levels.
• Kidney Function: The kidneys play a crucial role in clearing digoxin from the body. Individuals with impaired kidney function may need adjustments in their digoxin dose to prevent toxicity. Regular kidney function tests are important.
• Electrolyte Levels: Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia), can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Regular monitoring of electrolytes, including potassium, is important.
• Drug Interactions: Digoxin can interact with other medications, either enhancing or reducing its effects. Some common interactions include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, certain antibiotics, and antacids. It’s important to inform healthcare providers about all medications being taken to avoid potential interactions.
• Thyroid Function: Digoxin can affect thyroid function test results, so it’s important to inform healthcare providers if there are any changes in thyroid medication or thyroid function.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Digoxin should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before using digoxin in these situations.
• Elderly Population: Older individuals may be more susceptible to digoxin toxicity due to age-related changes in kidney function and other factors. Close monitoring and lower initial doses may be necessary.

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have some other hypersensitivities. This drug may contain inert ingredients which can cause unfavorable side effects or different issues. Talk with your pharmacist for more information.

Interactions

Lanoxin may interact with the following medicines:

• Diuretics: Certain diuretics, such as thiazides and loop diuretics, can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Some calcium channel blockers, like verapamil and diltiazem, can increase digoxin levels in the blood, potentially leading to toxicity. Close monitoring of digoxin levels and adjustment of the digoxin dose may be necessary.
• Quinidine and Amiodarone: These antiarrhythmic medications can increase digoxin levels, potentially leading to toxicity. Close monitoring of digoxin levels and adjustment of the digoxin dose may be needed.
• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, including erythromycin and clarithromycin, can increase digoxin levels by affecting its elimination from the body. Close monitoring and potential dose adjustment may be necessary.
• Antacids: Some antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can decrease the absorption of digoxin from the digestive system, potentially reducing its effectiveness. It is recommended to separate the administration of digoxin and antacids by at least two hours.
• Herbal Supplements: Herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort, ginseng, and licorice root can interact with digoxin, affecting its levels in the blood and potentially leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness. It is important to discuss the use of any herbal supplements with a healthcare provider.

Inform your physician about the drugs you take including over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, supplements and vitamins.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more details.

The effects of certain medications can change if you consume different medications or herbal products simultaneously. This can build your risk for side effects or may cause your drugs not to work effectively. These interactions are conceivable, yet don’t generally happen. Your physician or pharmacist can prevent or oversee interactions by changing how you utilize your prescriptions or by close checking.

While utilizing this drug, don’t start, stop, or change the dose of other medicines you are using without your physician’s advice.

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor right away.

Available Brands:

• Lanoxin