Lanoxin

Lanoxin is generically prescribed as digoxin. It can also be prescribed under the brand names Cardoxin, Digitek, and Lanoxicaps. It is commonly prescribed to help regulate the heart with strong even beats that it can not perform on its own. Medical conditions such as congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation benefit from Lanoxin.

Lanoxin is not appropriate for all patients. A medical evaluation and full health history can help rule out potential health condition conflicts. Patients with a medical history which includes kidney disease, liver disease, or the current use of another heart medication are not good candidates for this medication.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Lanoxin as a category C pregnancy risk. This means that it has yet to be determined what effects this medication will have on a developing fetus. Lanoxin is able to pass through the breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing baby. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or are likely to become pregnant should avoid this medication.

In the event that the patient misses a dose, the dose can be taken within a 12 hour window. If more than 12 hours passes, the patient should skip the missed dose and resume regular dosing at the next dose. Patients should never double up on their regular dose, as this can cause an accidental overdose.

An overdose of Lanoxin can have serious consequences and it should be handled like any other medical emergency. Patients who are suspected of ingesting too much medication should be taken directly to the emergency room. Symptoms of an overdose may present with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, seizures, diarrhea, confusion, irregular heart rhythm, the visual halos around lights, fast heart rate, slow heart rate, green or yellow tinted vision, fatigue, hallucinations, and in some cases, coma or death.

Patients who start Lanoxin are likely to experience side effects, some of which may subside after the first few weeks. Mild side effects generally are no cause for medical attention but should just be reported to the prescribing physician. Mild side effects which are most common include drowsiness, dizziness, enlarged male breasts, nausea, vomiting, depression, weakness, general tiredness and lack of enthusiasm, or a waning libido.

A smaller number of patients may experience serious side effects. Serious side effects should be cared for immediately at the nearest emergency room. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, irregular heart rate, less than 60 heart beats per minute, severe headache, severe vision alterations, fainting, extreme dizziness and drowsiness, fast heart rate, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or psychosis. Allergic reactions to Lanoxin include swelling of the facial features, throat, and tongue, and hives with respiratory distress.

Lanoxin may not be suitable for patients who are taking certain other medications, as medications may mix poorly and cause severe interactions. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new over the counter medicine, prescription medicine, herbal remedy, or vitamin supplements. Medications with a known history of interactions with Lanoxin include thyroid medications, rifampin, tetracycline, itraconazole, erythromycin, amphotericin B, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, antacids or laxatives that have aluminum, magnesium, or kaolin-pectin as its ingredient, additional heart medications, beta blockers, medications for chemotherapy, steroids, alprazolam, cholestyramine, indomethacine, metoclopramide, and sulfasalazine.

Patients should not suddenly cease their daily medication. The abrupt interruption in the cycle of taking Lanoxin could cause serious health consequences.

Lanoxin has the following structural formula:

Review published on: 22 October 2007