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Digoxin Injection

Digoxin is an injection medication that treats heart failure and an irregular heartbeat called AFib (atrial fibrillation). It helps your heart beat stronger. It can also stabilize your heart’s rhythm by slowing down overactive electric signals. The brand name of this medication is Lanoxin®.

What is this medication?

DIGOXIN (di JOX in) treats heart failure. It may also be used to treat a type of arrhythmia known as AFib (atrial fibrillation). It works by helping your heart beat stronger, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It also slows down overactive electric signals in the heart, which stabilizes your heart rhythm.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lanoxin, Lanoxin Pediatric

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Certain heart rhythm disorders
  • Heart disease or recent heart attack
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to digoxin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

The medication is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Albuterol
  • Alprazolam
  • Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS like ritonavir and saquinavir
  • Calcium
  • Certain antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, trimethoprim, and tetracycline
  • Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
  • Certain medications for cholesterol like atorvastatin
  • Certain medications for diabetes, like exenatide and metformin
  • Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
  • Certain medications for stomach problems like omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole
  • Conivaptan
  • Cyclosporine
  • Epinephrine
  • Nefazodone
  • NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, like celecoxib, ibuprofen, or naproxen
  • Penicillamine
  • Phenytoin
  • Quinine
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Succinylcholine
  • St. John's Wort
  • Teriparatide
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Tolvaptan

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This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Digoxin toxicity—confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in vision such as blurry or yellow vision, fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain
  • Unexpected breast tissue growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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