Digoxin (Lanoxin) Uses

Digoxin is used to treat mild to moderate heart failure in adults and children. It is also used to control a type of irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation in adults. 

There may be other uses of digoxin, such as for the treatment of angina (chest pain) or after a heart attack—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Digoxin (Lanoxin) Mechanism of Action

Digoxin works by blocking an enzyme called Na-K ATPase which controls the movement of intracellular sodium and potassium ions. It causes an increased amount of sodium inside cells, which in turn leads to an influx of calcium in the heart to increase myocardial contraction and cardiac output. In addition, digoxin stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and slows electrical conduction in the atrioventricular node, thereby decreasing heart rate. In this way, digoxin helps the heart beat stronger and controls heart rate.

Digoxin (Lanoxin) Doses

The dose of digoxin depends on age, lean body weight, the condition being treated, and other factors such as kidney function, other medical conditions, and other medications.

Treatment for heart failure in most patients is usually started with a digoxin dose of 250 mcg (0.25 mg) once daily (in adults below 70 years of age with good renal function). A lower starting dose of 125 mcg (0.125 mg) per day may be used for patients above age 70 or those with decreased renal function. A starting dose of 62.5 mcg (0.0625 mg) may be used in patients with heart failure who have renal failure (markedly reduced kidney function).

The digoxin dose can be increased every 2 weeks based on clinical response and/or serum digoxin levels. The usual maintenance total dose of digoxin in adult patients with heart failure ranges from 125 mcg to 500 mcg once per day. 

Digoxin can also be given intravenously (digoxin injection) to achieve rapid digitalization.