Lanoxin, known also by the generic name digoxin, belongs to a group of medications known as cardiac glycosides. It is used to treat congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia and cardiogenic shock. Lanoxin is a high alert drug with contraindications for patients suffering from certain medical conditions.
Hypersensitivity to Cardiac Glycosides
According to Drugs.com, patients who have had a history of allergic reactions to cardiac glycosides should avoid Lanoxin. Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity to cardiac glycosides include difficulties breathing, wheezing, hives, rashes, swollen face and tongue, itching, watering eyes and congestion.
Ventricular Fibrillation
Drugs.com states that Lanoxin should not be used in patients with ventricular fibrillation. According to the National Institutes of Health, ventricular fibrillation is a severe abnormal heart rhythm that can be life-threatening. During ventricular fibrillation, blood is not pumped from the heart and sudden cardiac death results.
Second- and Third-degree Heart Block
Drugs.com states that Lanoxin should not be used in patients with heart block problems. The National institute of Heart Lung and Blood states that heart block problems occur when electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles are blocked. This results in decreased blood circulation that could result in heart attack and death.
