Description
Lanoxin 0.25 mg (Digoxin) – Targeted Therapy for Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation
Lanoxin 0.25 mg contains digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used to strengthen cardiac contractility in mild-to-moderate heart failure and control ventricular response rate in chronic atrial fibrillation.
Key Benefits:
- Improves symptoms and exercise tolerance in heart failure
- Controls resting ventricular rate in chronic AFib/AFlutter
- Once‑daily dosing with predictable pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Digoxin inhibits Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, enhancing intracellular Ca²⁺ to strengthen cardiac contractions and increase vagal tone—slowing AV conduction and rate.
Recommended Dosage
Maintenance: 0.125–0.25 mg once daily in adults; higher doses up to 0.5 mg/day rarely needed. Loading dose optional if rapid control is needed. Dose adjustments required in renal impairment, elderly, or low lean body weight.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness—often dose-related
- Visual disturbances (blurred, yellow-green vision), headaches, confusion, arrhythmias, gynecomastia—rare
Precautions & Interactions
- Narrow therapeutic index—monitor serum levels and renal function closely. Toxic levels only slightly higher than therapeutic.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation—may trigger rebound arrhythmia or heart failure worsening.
- Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia) increase toxicity risk.
- Many drug interactions: amiodarone, verapamil, quinidine, spironolactone, certain antibiotics all raise digoxin levels.
- Contraindicated in ventricular fibrillation, certain AV blocks without pacemaker, WPW syndrome. Use cautiously in thyroid or renal disease.
- Established gold-standard digitalis therapy with clear efficacy in heart rate control and mild heart failure
- Flexible starting dose allows individual tailoring—often started at 0.25 mg daily, adjustable per response
- Extensive clinical use and monitoring protocols support safe use in specialist-managed settings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Lanoxin 0.25 mg used for?
It is used to relieve symptoms of heart failure and control heart rate in chronic atrial fibrillation.
2. When does it start to work?
Onset: 1–3 hours after oral dose; full effect may take several days.
3. What if a dose is missed?
Take it when remembered if within the same day. If too late, skip it—do not double next dose.
4. Is blood testing required?
Yes—serum digoxin levels, renal function, potassium/magnesium monitoring are essential to prevent toxicity.
5. Can digoxin cause visual problems?
Yes—blurred or yellow-green vision (xanthopsia) and halos around lights may indicate toxicity.
