Lanoxin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Lanoxin
Lanoxin is a digitalis glycoside medicine. It acts by increasing the force of contraction of the heart in heart failure, without increasing the oxygen demand by the heart.
Therapeutic Uses of Lanoxin
Lanoxin is used in the treatment of heart failure. It is also used in slowing down the heart rate in atrial fibrillation, which is a type of abnormal fast heart rhythm. It can also be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Lanoxin
Take Lanoxin as your doctor tells you. Usually it is taken by mouth with food or without food. Take it at the same time daily, which will help you to remember to take it. If you have any question about Lanoxin, you should clear your doubt from your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Lanoxin
If you miss a dose of Lanoxin, take it as soon as you remember it. If you miss it for long and it is almost time for the next dose, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take double dose of Lanoxin as it is very toxic medicine.
How to Store Lanoxin
Lanoxin should be stored at room temperature. It is stored ideally in a dry, cool and dark place in a closed container. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Lanoxin
Lanoxin is a toxic medicine. Its safety margin is very narrow. It should be used with extreme caution and therapy should be monitored closely ideally at a hospital. It should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed and never shared with anyone.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Lanoxin
You should not use Lanoxin, if you have any of the following conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to Lanoxin or any of the ingredients of it or allergic to any digitalis medicines.
- If you have certain type of heart rhythm problem like ventricular fibrillation.
- If you are pregnant you should not take the medicine.
Important notes to remember while taking Lanoxin:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: if you become pregnant while taking Lanoxin, you should discuss with your doctor about the risk of using Lanoxin during pregnancy. It is found in breast milk as it is secreted in the breast milk. If you are breast feeding while taking Lanoxin, you should consult your doctor and discuss the possible risk to your baby due to Lanoxin.
- Lanoxin should be used with caution as it can be more sensitive in elderly people and cause more side effects.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist that you take Lanoxin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- During treatment with Lanoxin, some lab tests like ECG (electrocardiogram), electrolytes, and blood digoxin levels should be done. These tests can be used in monitoring treatment with Lanoxin and also to detect any side effects that may arise due to Lanoxin. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Possible Adverse Effects of Lanoxin
- The common and milder side effects of Lanoxin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, arrhythmia (fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat) etc. You should consult your doctor if these common and milder side effects become troublesome and persistent.
- If you develop any serious side effects of Lanoxin, you should get immediate medical attention. The serious side effects of Lanoxin are any heart disturbance or severe allergic reaction. The manifestations of allergic reaction are rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.