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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Lanoxin Oral

Uses and How to Use


Generic Name: DIGOXIN PEDIATRIC ELIXIR - ORAL
Pronounced: (didge-OX-in)

Lanoxin Oral Uses

Digoxin is used to treat heart failure, usually along with other medications. It is also used to treat a certain type of irregular heartbeat (chronic atrial fibrillation).

Treating heart failure may help maintain your ability to walk and exercise, improve your heart function, and decrease the chance that you will need hospitalization. Treating an irregular heartbeat helps the heart pump blood properly.

Digoxin belongs to a class of medications called cardiac glycosides. It works by affecting certain minerals (sodium and potassium) inside the cells of the heart. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it beat more strongly. Digoxin also helps control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat.

How To Use Lanoxin Oral

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Measure the dose carefully using the dropper that comes with the medication. Certain foods and medications decrease the absorption of digoxin. Therefore, take digoxin at least 2 hours before or after eating food products high in fiber (such as bran). If you are taking cholestyramine, colestipol, or psyllium, wait at least 2 hours after your digoxin dose before taking any of these products. If you are taking antacids, kaolin-pectin, milk of magnesia, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, or aminosalicylic acid, take as far apart as possible from your digoxin dose.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, body weight, and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

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