Brand Name
Lanoxi, Digitek, Cardoxin
Pronunciation
Dye-JOCKS-in
Common Drug Name
Digoxin
What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Digoxin?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected, and what type of exams and tests will be necessary while your pet is taking Digoxin. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be necessary to treat heart disease in your pet.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, as Digoxin interacts with many of these. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
What is the most important information I should know?
Digoxin must be given exactly as your veterinarian prescribes and you must watch carefully for any side effects. There is only a very small difference between the dose for treatment and a dose that could cause severe side effects and death. Do not adjust the medication amount without consulting with your veterinarian.
Periodic blood testing is generally required. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has changes in behavior, vomiting or diarrhea, decreased appetite, or becomes depressed, weak, or lethargic.
Who should not take it?
Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young); the safety of the drug has not been determined in these animals. Do not use in animals with ventricular fibrillation, digitalis overdose, and certain other heart/lung conditions. Use with caution in animals who are obese; have thyroid, kidney, or severe lung disease; or electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., abnormally low or high levels of potassium, sodium, or calcium in the blood). Use with caution in Collies and other herding breeds, since they are more sensitive to some of the effects.
What side effects may be seen when taking Digoxin?
May see vomiting, diarrhea, depression, incoordination, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, and abnormal heart rhythms. Contact your veterinarian if you observe any of these signs.
How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs of an acute overdose include collapse, seizures, and coma.
What should I avoid when giving my pet Digoxin?
Consult your veterinarian before using Digoxin with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, antacids, cimetidine, metoclopramide, oral neomycin, penicillamine, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics (furosemide, Lasix), amphotericin B, corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone), laxatives, diazepam (Valium), quinidine, anticholinergic drugs (atropine), verapamil (another heart medication), tetracycline, erythromycin, and thyroid replacement therapy (thyroxine, Soloxine), since interactions may occur. Other interactions may also occur. Do not adjust the medication amount without consulting with your veterinarian.
Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the
Patient Information Sheet on this medication.
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