Lanoxin Pediatric Elixir

Brand Name:Digitaline, Lanoxin, Lanoxin Injection, Lanoxin Pediatric Injection, Novo-Digoxin

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Digoxin is used to control some irregular rhythms of the heart, mainly for people who have atrial fibrilliation. It can also be for people with congestive heart failure by helping the heart beat stronger and more efficiently.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it or have other irregular heart rhythms, specifically ventricular fibrillation. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • heart rhythm problems
  • problems with a slow heartbeat (heart rate)
  • problems with your kidneys
  • problems with calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood
  • problems with your thyroid
  • severe lung disease

What about possible side effects?

The side effects to digoxin are usually related to dose, the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age, other medical conditions, low potassium/magnesium blood levels). It is extremely important that you take only the dose given to you by your doctor and that your blood level is checked periodically to make sure the dose is right for you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to side effects which include:

  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • heartbeat that is slow, irregular or pounding
  • not feeling hungry
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • vision problems
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely
  • amiodarone, quinidine (will increase the amount of digoxin in the blood)
  • antacids, cholestyramine (may decrease the amount of digoxin being absorbed from your intestines)
  • clarithromycin (will increase the amount of digoxin in the blood)
  • diet pills or amphetamines
  • levothyroxine
  • metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, labetolol
  • verapamil, diltiazem (will increase the amount of digoxin in the blood and have an additive effect on slowing your heartbeat)
  • water pills (e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone, indapamide)

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

When used improperly (i.e. for weight loss), digitalis drugs can cause serious health problems and side effects.

Your doctor will want to periodically send you for lab tests to check levels of digoxin in your blood.

Children: Reduced dose necessary. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

Seniors: More sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary.

Pregnancy: Should only be used if the benefit outweighs any possible risk. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally.

Alcohol: No known problems. Always drink in moderation.

Overdose: If you have taken more digoxin than prescribed, call your doctor immediately. Call 911 or have someone call for you if you experience chest pain, palpitations, or severe weakness. Loss of consciousness may occur.

Stopping the drug: You should not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor first. Abruptly coming off digoxin may cause your underlying heart condition to worsen.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is within 8-12 hours of your next scheduled dose, in which case take the missed dose and skip the next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of this medicine.

Storage conditions: closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children. Digitalis medicines are a major cause of poisoning in children.

Dietary precautions: None