Lanoxin is a brand name for the generic digoxin medication prescribed for treatment of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. It is classified as a digitalis glycoside medication. Lanoxin, according to the Mayo Clinic, is prescribed with an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor and a diuretic for this treatment. The drug is designed to make the heart stronger and more efficient or to correct arrhythmia by controlling the heart rate.
Common Serious Side Effects
Taking Lanoxin may create some serious side effects for which you may need medical help. The most common include bradycardia (reduced heart rate), tachycardia (increased heart rate), a pounding or irregular heartbeat, fainting or dizziness. If you experience any of these side effects, talk with your doctor immediately to discuss treatment or whether the doctor wants to discontinue use of the medicine.
Rare Serious Side Effects
Other effects of Lanoxin are far more rare, but still should be watched for when taking the drug. Again, consult your doctor. These include tar-like feces, uncommon weakness, bleeding from the gums, abnormal tiredness, urine or feces that contain blood, difficulty breathing, vomiting blood, leg or foot swelling, skin spots that may be red, sweating, lesions that are raised or flat on the skin as part of a rash, and nausea. Others include severe abdominal pain, chest pain or abnormal bruising or bleeding.
Temporary Side Effects
Some side effects when you start taking Digoxin may go away after you get used to the drug. Temporary side effects from the drug may include vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, a rash, anxiety, combativeness, pain in the abdomen, an irrational fear that you are going to die, depression and diarrhea. Other, rarer side effects may include breast swelling in men and women, diplopia (double vision), disturbed perception of colors, appetite loss, headaches, night blindness, tunnel vision, lack of emotion and a non-caring attitude. Report these side effects to a medical professional if they persist or bother you. Your physician may have ways to counteract them or may want to try another drug in place of Lanoxin.
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