Lanoxin (Digoxin Tablets) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 10, 2012

Lanoxin Tablets

Atrial Fibrillation »

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, abnormal rhythm of the heart.

The heart contracts (beats) and pumps blood with a regular rhythm, for example, at a rate of 60 beats per minute there is a beat every second. The heart may beat faster or slower with a shorter or longer interval between beats, but at any one rate the interval between beats is constant. This regular rhythm occurs as a result of regular electrical discharges (currents) that travel through the heart and cause the muscle of the heart to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical discharges are irregular and rapid and, as a result, the heart beats irregularly and, usually, rapidly.

Atrial fibrillation is common; half a million new cases are diagnosed yearly in the U.S., and billions of dollars are spent annually on its diagnosis and treatment.

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Normal function of the he...

Read the Atrial Fibrillation article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Lanoxin

Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow Pictures

Heart-Healthy Foods Slideshow Pictures

Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

font size

Lanoxin
(digoxin) Tablets, USP
125 mcg (0.125 mg) Scored I.D. Imprint Y3B (yellow)
250 mcg (0.25 mg) Scored I.D. Imprint X3A (white)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Lanoxin (digoxin) is one of the cardiac (or digitalis) glycosides, a closely related group of drugs having in common specific effects on the myocardium. These drugs are found in a number of plants. Digoxin is extracted from the leaves of Digitalis lanata. The term “digitalis” is used to designate the whole group of glycosides. The glycosides are composed of 2 portions: a sugar and a cardenolide (hence “glycosides”).

Digoxin is described chemically as (3β,5β,12β)-3-[(O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl(1→4)-O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribohexopyranosyl)oxy]-12,14-dihydroxy-card-20(22)-enolide. Its molecular formula is C₄₁H₆₄O₁₄, its molecular weight is 780.95, and its structural formula is:

Lanoxin (digoxin) Structural Formula Illustration

Digoxin exists as odorless white crystals that melt with decomposition above 230°C. The drug is practically insoluble in water and in ether; slightly soluble in diluted (50%) alcohol and in chloroform; and freely soluble in pyridine.

Lanoxin (digoxin tablets) is supplied as 125-mcg (0.125-mg) or 250-mcg (0.25-mg) tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains the labeled amount of digoxin USP and the following inactive ingredients: corn and potato starches, lactose, and magnesium stearate. In addition, the dyes used in the 125-mcg (0.125-mg) tablets are D&C Yellow No. 10 and FD&C Yellow No. 6.

What are the possible side effects of digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
bloody or black, tarry stools;
blurred vision, yellowed vision; or
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lanoxin »

What are the precautions when taking digoxin tablets (Lanoxin)?

Before using alcaftadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: contact lens use.

After you apply this drug, your vision may be temporarily unclear. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you develop an eye infection...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lanoxin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/26/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.