Digoxin (By injection)
di-JOX-in
Treats heart failure and heart rhythm problems. This medicine is also called digitalis.
Drug classes
Antiarrhythmic, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Digoxin injection is given in combination with a diuretic (water pill) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to treat heart failure in adults and children. It is also used to treat adults with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm problem).
Digoxin belongs to the class of medicines called cardiac glycosides. It is used to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart, or to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. This leads to better blood circulation and reduced swelling of the hands and ankles in patients with heart problems.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how digoxin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any other medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol), ginseng, quinine, ritonavir, spironolactone, dopamine, teriparatide, thyroid medicine, or blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil).
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to digoxin or other type of digitalis.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other heart problems, including heart block, recent heart attack, or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood vessel disease, or thyroid problems.
This medicine has been associated with the following problems:
Risk of overdose Slow heartbeat, heart blockTell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, weakness, headache, dizziness
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, ongoing diarrhea, vision changes
Weight loss, stomach pain, unusual behavior, drowsiness (in children)
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle or shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lanoxin, Lanoxin Pediatric
There may be other brand names for this medicine.