Digoxin
Lanoxin
Lanoxin is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat heart conditions such as heart failure & atrial fibrillation. It contains digoxin as an active ingredient, which helps the heart work more efficiently. Lanoxin is available in different strengths, including 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, and more, in the form of oral tablets, oral solutions, and injectable solutions. It is usually taken by mouth. The medication dosage is based on the patient’s age, weight, condition, and renal function. For safe and efficient medication use, consult a licensed healthcare provider and ask them if you have any queries or concerns. Also, discuss the potential risks & benefits of using Lanoxin with them. You can buy Lanoxin (digoxin) online from reputable sources to ensure your medication is genuine and safe.
Lanoxin Overview
Lanoxin contains the active ingredient digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Digoxin helps the heart work more efficiently by increasing the force of myocardial contractions and regulating heart rate. It inhibits the sodium-potassium ATPase enzyme, improving calcium availability for the heart muscle, enhancing its contractions, and reducing heart rate. Lanoxin is available in various strengths, including 0.125 mg and 0.25 mg tablets. It is taken orally, typically once daily.
A healthcare provider determines the dosage based on the patient’s medical condition, age, weight, and renal function. Both adults and children can take Lanoxin, but pediatric dosing requires careful calculation and monitoring. Common side effects of Lanoxin may include dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Serious side effects, such as arrhythmias or vision changes, require immediate medical attention.
Patients should inform their physician or healthcare provider of any other medications they are taking or planning to take to avoid interactions. Those with renal impairment or electrolyte imbalances should use Lanoxin cautiously. A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dosage. In case of an overdose, you should seek emergency medical help immediately. Store Lanoxin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Regular blood levels and kidney function monitoring are recommended to ensure safe and effective use. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding Lanoxin usage.
What Are the Uses of Lanoxin?
The FDA approves Lanoxin to treat heart failure. Given below are its uses and benefits:
- It helps make the heart beat stronger.
- It also helps make your heart beat at a more regular rhythm.
- It also helps treat a heart rhythm disorder of the atria, which is known as atrial fibrillation.
[Important Warning: You should not use Lanoxin if you have ventricular fibrillation.]
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Lanoxin?
Lanoxin comes in the following forms and strengths that are taken orally by mouth.
- Oral tablets: 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg
- Oral solution: 0.05 mg/ml
- Injectable solution: 0.25 mg/ml
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Lanoxin?
For Congestive Heart Failure:
- Rapid digitalization with a loading dose: To achieve a therapeutic effect with minimal risk of toxicity in most adult patients of heart failure with normal sinus rhythm, 0.75-1.5 mg may be given orally in divided doses over 24 hours. You should take the loading dose in multiple portions.
- Maintenance dose: For adults, the recommended maintenance is 0.125-0.25 mg daily.
- A dose of 0.02 mg/kg for premature babies should be administered orally daily.
- Full-term infants should be given a dose of 0.03-0.05 mg/kg daily.
- Children aged 1-10 years should be given a daily dose of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg.
- Children aged more than ten years should follow the adult dosing.
- Geriatric patients generally require lower doses due to decreasing renal function. The initial recommended dosage for elderly patients is 0.125 mg daily, which may be adjusted based on the patient’s response to treatment and serum levels.
- Patients with renal impairment should take Lanoxin cautiously, with a reduced dose based on their creatinine clearance. The dosage may be reduced by 50-70% for severe renal impairment.
For Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter:
- Rapid digitalization with a loading dose: Take 0.75-1.5 mg orally in divided doses over 24 hours to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
- Maintenance dose: For adults, the recommended maintenance is 0.125-0.25 mg daily.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Lanoxin?
- Before taking Lanoxin and, each time you get a refill, you should carefully read and follow the instructions or medication guides that came with your prescription. If you do not understand any part of it, consult your healthcare provider or physician.
- You should take Lanoxin exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the Lanoxin tablet; try to swallow it whole.
- This medication may be taken with or without food, but it is crucial to maintain consistency in dosage and try to take it around the same time every day.
- Fix a time that is most convenient for you, and try to take Lanoxin at the same time daily.
- If you are taking the oral form of Lanoxin, you should carefully measure the liquid medicine using the dosing syringe or spoon provided. If you do not have a medicine dose-measuring device, you should consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
- You should continue to take this medicine regularly, even if you feel fine or have no symptoms, and get your prescription refilled on time before you completely run out of it.
- Injectable Lanoxin is given as a shot into the muscle or as an infusion into the vein. If you cannot take Lanoxin by mouth, a healthcare provider will give you this injection.
- While you are receiving treatment with this medication, your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked daily, and you may also need to undergo frequent blood tests.
- Your doctor may also suggest you to have certain tests to check your kidney function on a regular basis.
- You should not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as suddenly stopping to take this medication may make your condition worse.
- Do not discontinue taking Lanoxin without consulting your doctor. You should continue to take this medication even if you feel well.
- Do not share this medication with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
- Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
- You should store Lanoxin at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Lanoxin Work?
Lanoxin, also known by its generic name digoxin, is extracted from the digitalis plant’s leaves. It has two primary effects on the heart:
- Increased Heart Strength: Lanoxin enhances the force of each heartbeat, making the heart pump blood more effectively throughout the body.
- Heart Rhythm Regulation: It stabilizes heart rhythm by delaying overactive electrical signals in the heart, particularly in the upper chambers (atria). This can be beneficial for conditions like atrial fibrillation, where irregular heartbeats occur in the atria.
Important Safety Information for Using Lanoxin
What Are the Side Effects of Lanoxin?
Usually, the side effects caused by Lanoxin are not severe and don’t require any medical attention. They may disappear by themselves within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if the symptoms become bothersome or if they persist. Common side effects of Lanoxin are as follows:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeats
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Visual impairment
- Vomiting
There may be some other side effects of Lanoxin that are not listed above. You can call your physician or healthcare provider if you feel that you are having an unwelcome side effect with the medication. In some rare cases, Lanoxin can cause serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention. You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reactions: Its symptoms may include racing heartbeat, fever, a general feeling of illness, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation on the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat, trouble swallowing or tightness in the throat, nausea/vomiting, lightheadedness, joint pain, dizziness, or stomach cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately discontinue taking this medication and call your doctor.
- Rhythm or heart rate changes: Lanoxin can cause your heart to beat slower than normal. This condition is called bradycardia. This medication may also cause heart rhythm problems that can further lead to fainting and irregular heartbeats. Rarely, this may also lead to cardiac arrest. People having existing heart disease or taking certain medications that affect the heart have a higher risk of having the heart suddenly stop beating. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of heart rate or rhythm changes. Its symptoms may include chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, heart rate or rhythm changes, fatigue, or weakness.
- Toxicity: Too much of this medication in your body can lead to toxicity. Discontinue using this medication and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, such as loss of appetite & nausea/vomiting. Your doctor may ask you to undergo certain additional tests if you have any of these symptoms.
[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Lanoxin?
Before using Lanoxin, you should be aware of the following warnings, especially if you belong to certain groups that may be at an increased risk of unwanted complications.
- You should avoid being dehydrated or overheated while exercising, not drinking enough fluids, or in hot weather. A dehydrated person can more easily overdose on Lanoxin.
- It is not suggested to consume large amounts of alcohol while you are receiving treatment with this medication.
- This medication may be unsafe to use while pregnant as it may cause harmful effects on the developing fetus. If you become pregnant, suspect pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant while taking this medication, you should talk to your doctor. They will weigh this medication’s potential risks and benefits before prescribing it to you.
- Lanoxin is usually considered safe while breastfeeding a baby as it does not pass into your breast milk in a significant amount and does not cause harm to the infant.
- This medication may affect your alertness and vision, as well as make you feel dizzy and sleepy. If you experience such symptoms, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or indulge in activities requiring alertness and clear vision until you determine how Lanoxin affects you.
- Lanoxin should be used cautiously in patients with kidney disease. Such patients are advised to consult their doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance. While receiving treatment with this medication, they may also require dosage adjustments and regular monitoring of kidney function, as well as magnesium, potassium, and calcium level tests.
- Lanoxin is usually considered safe for use in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor for more information on usage, dosage, and other related issues.
- Patients who are allergic to Lanoxin or any of its active or inactive ingredients, such as digoxin, digitalis, etc., should not take this medication. Ask your physician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for the full list of ingredients present in this product.
- Patients who have a certain type of condition called ventricular fibrillation (abnormal heart rate) should not use this medication.
FDA Boxed Warning
Lanoxin has a boxed warning regarding toxicity in patients with renal impairment. Key points of the boxed warning include:
- Toxicity risk: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between therapeutic and toxic doses is small.
- Renal dysfunction: Individuals with renal impairment have a higher risk of digoxin toxicity due to reduced clearance of the drug.
- Monitoring: Regular serum digoxin levels and renal function monitoring are crucial, especially in patients with renal impairment or those on medications that may interact with digoxin.
- Symptoms of toxicity: Healthcare providers and patients should be aware of signs of digoxin toxicity, which can include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, and confusion.
- Dose adjustment: The dosage should be carefully adjusted based on the patient’s renal function, age, and clinical response.
- Drug interactions: Certain medications can increase serum digoxin levels, potentially leading to toxicity. These interactions should be carefully monitored and managed.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypercalcemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity and should be corrected before and during treatment.
What Are the Lanoxin Precautions?
Before using Lanoxin, you should share your complete medical and family history with your doctor and discuss with them in detail about the potential risks & benefits of using this medication in your condition. This information will help you and your doctor determine if Lanoxin is the right choice for your heart condition. If not, then you can discuss your concerns with your primary care physician, to explore alternatives of this medication that will suit your needs.
- You should not use Lanoxin if you have an allergy to digoxin or any other ingredient in the medication.
- Do not use this medication if you have ventricular fibrillation.
- To ensure this medication is safe for you to use, before using Lanoxin, you should tell your doctor if you have or ever had the following conditions:
- Heart attack
- A heart condition known as AV block or sick sinus syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Slow heartbeats that lead to fainting
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
- Thyroid disorder
- An electrolyte imbalance such as low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels in your blood.
- If you are or have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea recently
- Do not share Lanoxin with others, even if they have the same condition as you.
- This medication may affect your heart rate or blood pressure. Speak with a licensed healthcare provider to know how to monitor and prevent such symptoms.
- If you have been prescribed the oral form of Lanoxin, you should use an oral syringe or measuring spoon to measure your dose carefully. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you do not have a measuring spoon or syringe or if you are unsure how to measure the prescribed dose properly.
What Are the Contraindications of Lanoxin?
Lanoxin is contraindicated for use in patients who have:
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Hypersensitivity to digoxin or any other ingredient present in the product.
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
What If You Missed a Dose of Lanoxin?
- To get the best results from your medication, it is essential to maintain consistency in dosage and try to take it around the same time every day.
- If you have missed a dose of Lanoxin, you should take it as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose, you may omit the missed dose and continue taking your medication according to your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take two or double doses of the same medication to compensate for the missed dose.
- To prevent missing doses, you can set a reminder on your phone. Medication reminders work best for this purpose.
[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are still determining when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Lanoxin?
If you have taken Lanoxin in more than the prescribed dose, you should seek immediate medical attention. An overdose of Lanoxin can be life-threatening. Its symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, slow heartbeat, and breathing problems. You can call your doctor or poison control center. If you experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or passing out, you may also head to the nearest emergency room.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help immediately or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Lanoxin?
- You should keep the medication in its original container at a controlled room temperature between 68 F-77 F or 20 C-25 C, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and excess heat.
- It may be exposed to temperatures between 59 F-86 F or 15 C-30 C, for shorter durations, such as when transporting it.
- Keep all medications, including Lanoxin, away from the sight and reach of children and pets.
- Do not use medications that have passed their expiration date.
- Do not keep medications that are outdated or no longer needed. Discard them safely.
- Dispose of the unwanted medications in such a way that children, pets, and others cannot consume them.
- With that being said, don’t throw it in your household garbage bin; flush it down the toilet or pour it in the drain.
- Learn how to properly eliminate unwanted medications by contacting your pharmacist, healthcare provider, or local waste management company.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Lanoxin?
The following medications may interact with Lanoxin and affect how it may work.
- Medications that increase digoxin levels:
- Amiodarone
- Dronedarone
- Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin)
- Azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem)
- Cyclosporine
- Propafenone
- Quinidine
- Spironolactone
- Medications that decrease digoxin levels:
- Antacids
- Cholestyramine
- Rifampin
- Phenytoin
- St. John’s Wort
- Medications that affect electrolyte balance:
- Diuretics (especially potassium-wasting diuretics)
- Corticosteroids
- Amphotericin B
- Medications that increase the risk of arrhythmias:
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
What Are the Other Lanoxin Interactions?
Before starting to take Lanoxin, you should discuss potential drug interactions with this medication. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking or planning to take. This includes all prescription and non-prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements such as vitamins, calcium, and herbs.
Lanoxin and diseases:
- Renal impairment: Reduces digoxin clearance, increasing the risk of toxicity
- Thyroid disorders:
- Hypothyroidism: May decrease digoxin’s effect
- Hyperthyroidism: May increase digoxin’s effect
- Electrolyte imbalances:
- Hypokalemia: Increases risk of digoxin toxicity
- Hypomagnesemia: Increases risk of digoxin toxicity
- Hypercalcemia: Increases risk of digoxin toxicity
- Acute myocardial infarction: May increase sensitivity to digoxin
- COPD or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: May increase your risk of digoxin toxicity.
- Malabsorption syndromes: May affect digoxin absorption
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Lanoxin. Tell your doctor any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Lanoxin Alternatives?
There are various substitutes available in the market for Lanoxin. People look for Lanoxin alternatives when the medication does not suit them, or they do not get the desired result from the medication. Depending on your condition, age, and needs, some of these alternatives may be more suitable for you. Consult your doctor to know more about which alternative of Lanoxin will suit you the best. Here are some alternative medications to Lanoxin (digoxin), grouped by their primary indications:
For Heart Failure:
- Zestril (lisinopril)
- Prinivil (lisinopril)
- Vasotec (enalapril)
- Cozaar (losartan)
- Diovan (valsartan)
- Toprol-XL (metoprolol)
- Coreg (carvedilol)
- Aldactone (spironolactone)
- Inspra (eplerenone)
- Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Bumex (bumetanide)
For Atrial Fibrillation
- Lopressor (metoprolol)
- Toprol-XL (metoprolol)
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Cardizem (diltiazem)
- Tiazac (diltiazem)
- Calan (verapamil)
- Verelan (verapamil)
- Cordarone (amiodarone)
- Pacerone (amiodarone)
- Tambocor (flecainide)
- Rythmol (propafenone)
- Cordarone (amiodarone)
- Pacerone (amiodarone)
- Betapace (sotalol)
- Sorine (sotalol)
- Tikosyn (dofetilide)
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Lanoxin Cost & Coupons
Lanoxin is a brand-name prescription medication that is used to improve a heart’s ability to beat when it is weakly beating due to heart failure or irregular heartbeats. The cost of Lanoxin and options for obtaining it at a lower price are influenced by various factors, including health insurance coverage. The pharmacy price of Lanoxin is significantly high, but with services like Polar Bear Meds, people can buy Lanoxin at low prices from Canada in the USA. Additionally, customers can use the Lanoxin coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lanoxin (Digoxin) affect patients with impaired renal function?
Lanoxin (Digoxin) requires careful dose adjustment in patients with impaired renal function. Due to reduced kidney clearance, the drug can gather in the body, increasing the risk of toxicity. Healthcare providers should monitor renal function regularly and adjust the dosage accordingly to maintain therapeutic levels while minimizing adverse effects.
What are the clinical considerations for transitioning from intravenous to oral Lanoxin (Digoxin) therapy?
Transitioning from intravenous to oral Lanoxin (Digoxin) therapy involves considering the bioavailability differences between the two forms. Intravenous administration has a higher bioavailability compared to oral. Therefore, the oral dose is typically higher when switching to achieve the same therapeutic effect. Physicians must also monitor the patient’s clinical response and adjust the oral dose based on individual therapeutic needs and any side effects.
How should Lanoxin (Digoxin) be managed in patients experiencing digoxin toxicity?
Management of Lanoxin (Digoxin) toxicity involves several steps. First, the drug should be discontinued immediately. Patients may require hospitalization for supportive care and close monitoring, including electrolyte management, particularly potassium levels. Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind) may be administered in severe cases to neutralize the drug rapidly. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential to manage any arrhythmias that may occur.
What are the implications of drug interactions with Lanoxin (Digoxin) on patient management?
Drug interactions with Lanoxin (Digoxin) can significantly impact its effectiveness and safety. Certain medications, such as amiodarone, verapamil, and quinidine, can increase digoxin levels, leading to toxicity. Conversely, drugs like rifampin and antacids can decrease its levels, reducing efficacy. Healthcare providers should review a patient’s medication regimen regularly and adjust the digoxin dose or alternative therapies to manage potential interactions effectively. Regularly monitoring digoxin levels and patient symptoms is essential to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
How should Lanoxin (Digoxin) therapy be adjusted in elderly patients?
Geriatric patients often have decreased renal function and may be more sensitive to the effects of Lanoxin (Digoxin). Therefore, starting therapy at a lower dose and titrating slowly while monitoring the patient closely is crucial. Regular assessment of renal function and serum digoxin levels is essential to avoid toxicity. Additionally, because elderly patients are more likely to be on multiple medications, potential drug interactions must be carefully managed to maintain therapeutic efficacy and safety.
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