LANOXIN

Drug Name: LANOXIN

LANOXIN DESCRIPTION:
DIGOXIN - INJECTION (didge-OX-in)

COMMON LANOXIN BRAND NAME(S):
Lanoxin

LANOXIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Report promptly any loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat/palpitations, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fatigue, muscle weakness or vision changes. Unlikely but report promptly dizziness, fainting, mood changes or confusion/mental changes. Very unlikely but report promptly any black stool or seizures. Notify your doctor immediately in the unlikely event an allergic reaction occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, skin rash or itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE LANOXIN:
LANOXIN: LANOXIN is given by injection into a vein(IV), or (infrequently) into a muscle (IM). The dosage is variable, depending on the diseases involved, the person's age, kidney function among other factors. A larger initial dose may be given (loading dose) followed by once a day doses until oral medication can be used in adults. In newborns, the dosage is variable. Beyond the newborn stage, children's doses are larger than adult doses per kilogram of weight up to age 10. A child over 10 years of age usually receives an adult dose, adjusted for body weight.

LANOXIN USES:
LANOXIN is used to treat heart problems, including irregular heartbeat or congestive heart failure.

LANOXIN PRECAUTIONS:
Before using LANOXIN, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies, especially drug allergies, heart, lung or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, low thyroid function (hypothyroid) or low potassium levels. Limit alcohol intake (e.g., certain liquid medications containing alcohol) since the side effects of LANOXIN may be increased by alcohol. LANOXIN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. LANOXIN is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when LANOXIN is used in the elderly.

LANOXIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially water pills (diuretics), amphotericin, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), corticotropin, edetate, laxatives, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), glucagon, calcium (IV), quinidine, procainamide, propranolol, amiodarone, propafenone, certain calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem), itraconazole, succinylcholine and indomethacin. Also, drowsiness-causing medications such as tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, drugs for sleep, sedatives, anxiety medicines, certain antihistamines or muscle relaxants, anti-seizure drugs and St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

LANOXIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include changes in vision, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, and irregular heartbeat.

LANOXIN NOTES:
Heart monitoring and blood tests are performed during treatment with digoxin injection.

MISSED LANOXIN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and consult your doctor or pharmacist for a new dosing plan.

LANOXIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.