Lanoxin - Digoxin

What is it?

Composition

Lanoxin contains the active substance digoxin, which is a cardiac glycoside. Digoxin affects the heart muscle, increasing its contraction, which helps improve cardiac output and control heart rhythm. The drug is available in tablet form, each of which contains a certain amount of digoxin.

Lanoxin tablets also contain the following excipients:

• Corn and potato starch
• Lactose
• Magnesium stearate

How to use?

Lanoxin should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor, as this drug requires precise dosing and careful monitoring. The drug is taken orally, usually once a day, at the same time every day to maintain a stable level of the active substance in the body.

When using Lanoxin, it is important to follow these recommendations:

1. Take the drug with enough water, regardless of food intake, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
2. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it as usual. Do not take two doses at once.
3. Do not stop taking Lanoxin without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better, as sudden cessation may worsen your heart condition.

Your doctor may adjust the dosage depending on your bodys response, kidney function and other factors, so regular visits to the doctor and blood tests are necessary for safe use of the drug.

How does it work?

Lanoxin (digoxin) exerts its effect on the heart by inhibiting the enzyme Na-K-ATPase, which plays a key role in maintaining ionic balance in cells. Blocking this enzyme leads to an increase in calcium levels inside the cells of the heart muscle. This increase in intracellular calcium helps to increase the force of heart contractions, which is especially important for patients with heart failure.

In addition, Lanoxin slows the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular node, which helps control the heart rhythm, especially in arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. The drug also affects the autonomic nervous system, reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and stimulating the parasympathetic, which further helps to slow the heart rate and improve blood flow.

Indications

Lanoxin is prescribed for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. The main indications include:

• Chronic heart failure - the drug helps improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and edema.
• Atrial fibrillation - Lanoxin is used to slow the heart rate, which helps stabilize the heart and prevent complications such as blood clots.
• Certain forms of tachycardia - the drug can be used to control the heart rate if the heart rate is too fast.

Lanoxin is often prescribed in combination with other drugs for the complex treatment of heart failure and arrhythmias, and requires careful monitoring to prevent possible side effects.

Contraindications

Lanoxin has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting treatment. The drug must not be used in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to digoxin or any other component of the drug.
• Certain heart diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction, sick sinus syndrome, or second- or third-degree atrioventricular block (unless a pacemaker is installed).
• Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels in the blood), as these conditions may increase digoxin toxicity.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with atrial fibrillation, as this may lead to acceleration of the ventricular rate.

Side effects

Lanoxin may cause side effects that require attention and, in some cases, immediate medical attention. The most serious side effects are related to the drug’s toxicity, especially if the dosage is not correct or if it interacts with other medications. Possible side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are often the first signs of a digoxin overdose.
• Vision changes, including blurred or yellow vision (xanthopsia).
• Heart rhythm problems, such as a heartbeat that is too slow or irregular.
• Dizziness, weakness, and tiredness.
• Psychiatric symptoms, including confusion and hallucinations.

Less serious but still possible side effects include rash, headache, and breast enlargement in men. It is important to have regular medical check-ups and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.