DIGOXIN

 

 

Name              Trade Name                            Generic Name

                        Lanoxin, Digitek                     Digoxin

 

Use                  Treat heart failure

                        Treat certain types of rapid or irregular heart rhythmms

 

Action             Digoxin strengthens the force with which the heart pumps blood.  It slows and steadies the heart rate in cases where the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular manner.

 

Possible Side Effects

 

Every drug is capable of producing side effects.  Most patients experience no, or minor, side effects.  Warning signs and symptoms of digoxin overdose or toxicity include:

·         Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

·         Rapid heart rate, slow heart rate

·         Visual disturbances, including blurred vision or yellowish-green halos around objects

·         Weakness, drowsiness, mental confusion

 

Guidelines for Taking This Medication

 

·         May be taken without regard to food

 

·         Take your medication at the same time each day

 

·         If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember within 12 hours; if 12 hours has passed, skip the dose and resume your schedule the following day

 

·         Never take additional doses of digoxin without talking with your doctor first

 

·         Do not stop this medication, unless directed by your doctor or nurse

 

·         Avoid laxatives, diarrhea medications, antacids, cough, cold and allergy medications, except upon professional recommendations

 

·         Report warning signs and symptoms of drug overdose to your doctor or nurse immediately

 

 

Follow-up Tests

 

·        Blood test to monitor digoxin level

 

·         Blood test to monitor electrolytes and kidney function

Ver 10.