Drug Name: Digoxin
Brand Names: Lanoxin
Generic Name: Digoxin
Uses: Digoxin is derived from a synthetic compound of sugar that is taken out from a plant called digitalis. It is widely used in handling various heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and congestive heart failure that cannot be controlled by other medication. Patients with more severe heart failure, a third heart sound gallop, left ventricular enlargement and a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction are more beneficial to use the Lanoxin. These drugs are found in a number of plants.
How to use: Take digoxin precisely as guided by your doctor. Digoxin may be taken with or without food. Digoxin is mainly eliminated by the kidneys, and dosages need to be reduced in patients with kidney dysfunction. It is prepared in tablets (0.125mg, 0.25mg, 0.5mg), capsules (0.05mg, 0.1mg, 0.2mg).
Side Effects: Some side effects from Digoxin are mostly felt by patients with kidney dysfuntion, and usually, leads to toxicity. Toxicity can cause heart rhythm disturbances, heart block and other threatening pain in the heart. Minor body reactions include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash, blurred vision, breast enlargement, and other mental changes.
Precautions: To go along your heart acting upon in good order, take this medicine exactly as directed even though you may feel well. Do not take more of it than your doctor ordered and do not miss any doses. Take the medicine at the same time each day. This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. Upon taking digitalis medicines, it is very significant that you get the exact amount of medicine that you need. Unless your doctor tells you to do so, do not change your dose. The number of capsules, tablets, and drops of solution that you take, counts on the strength of the medicine.
Drug Interaction: Digoxin may interact with the following:
- Chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Torsemide (Demadex)
- Bumetanide (Bumex)
- Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
- Triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide)
- Amiloride (Midamor)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Overdose: If an overdose happens, Digoxin should be temporarily discontinued until the adverse reaction resolves. If symptoms persists, consults your doctor or withdraw from using digoxin.
Notes: In general, the contrary reactions of digoxin are dose-dependent and occur at doses higher than those needed to attain a therapeutic result. Hence, adverse reactions are less common when digoxin is used within the suggested dose range and when there is careful attention to simultaneous medications and conditions.
Missed Dose: If you dropped a dose of this medicine, and you remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until later, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions about this or if you miss doses for 2 or more days in a row, check with your doctor.
Important Note: Do not stop taking digoxin suddenly. Make sure you always have enough digoxin on hand for vacations and holidays.
Storage: Be sure that the medication should be stored in dry, light-resistant, tight container.
More information about Digoxin:
Digoxin Chemical Formula and Description
