Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml

Description

About

The human heart’s pumping is a uniquely orchestrated mechanism based on synchronized beats and signal conduction of impulses, operating atria, ventricles, and the valves to allow continuous “beating” of the heart, thus permitting life. Any disturbance in this rhythm arrangement can lead to irregular heartbeat, at times getting very quick, manifested as palpitations. This condition is called Atrial Fibrillation, a chronic heart condition affecting the atria. Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml belongs to a class of drugs called Antiarrhythmics/ cardiac glycosides, used to treat disturbance in heart rhythm (fibrillation), heart failure, etc. Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is chemically composed of Digoxin, available as oral tablets and IV solution to be taken strictly under a doctor’s prescription. 

Digoxin contained in Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml shows its clinical effects via 2 basic mechanisms, Positive tropism (heart contraction) by inhibiting Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase causes an increase in calcium levels in heart cells, and secondly Negative chronotropic effect (reduced heart rate) through activation of Parasympathetic nervous system, causing a decrease in AV node conduction slowing down the heart rate. It improves the overall compromised function of the heart. Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is usually taken for long periods, strictly follow your doctor’s advice. 

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml  is available as oral tablets on prescription to be swallowed by mouth with a glass of water once a day or as advised by the doctor. Do not crush or chew the tablet. It takes about 5 to 30 minutes to show its effects after injection. The general protocol for using Digoxin is to give a starting (loading) dose followed by a daily maintenance dose tailored to the patient’s response and condition. Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is extremely fatal for unborn babies (can cause termination of pregnancy), thus absolutely contraindicated in pregnant and lactating mothers. In prescribed doses, it can be given to adults and children suffering from heart disease. The most common side effects observed with Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml are pain at the injection site, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, fatigue, palpitations, etc.

Indications

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is prescribed to adults and children alike and it is used in the treatment of :

• Heart failure 
• Atrial Fibrillation 
• Arrhythmia

How does Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml work?

Digoxin, contained in Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml imparts strength to the heart muscle in its contraction force, organizing an erratic rhythm and controlling the heart rate. It shows its clinical effects via 2 basic mechanisms, Positive tropism (heart contraction) by inhibiting Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase causes an increase in calcium levels in heart cells, and secondly Negative chronotropic effect (reduced heart rate) through activation of the Parasympathetic nervous system, causing a decrease in AV node conduction slowing down the heart rate. It improves the overall compromised function of the heart.

How to use Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml?

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is available in the form of an injectable solution to be given by a health care professional once a day or as advised by the doctor. In general, the treatment with Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is started with a loading dose after which your doctor assesses the efficacy of this drug and the patient’s response. This is followed by a daily maintenance dose preset by your doctor as per needs. The loading dose is of two types which are to be selected by the attending physician depending on your condition. Rapid and slow loading (or digitalization – doses that increase digoxin levels in plasma). Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml must not be stopped suddenly without asking your physician for it can create arrhythmias and heart problems. It is noteworthy that the IV route is preferred in cases where oral tablets cannot be taken and when it is to be availed quickly. 

Dosage is completely dependent on the weight, age, severity of the condition, patient’s response to the medicine, and kidney function. Your doctor may vary your dosage accordingly. A new, sterile syringe must always be used and properly discarded following universal protocol for sharps disposal. Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is available in injection form which can be given via quick Intravenous infusion (3-5 minutes) or slow infusion over some time. Intramuscular injections are not advised. IV digoxin is to be administered in a healthcare facility and may or may not be diluted with other injectable solutions matching the compatibility with Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml such as sodium chloride or dextrose in the correct ratio. 

Available Potency and Forms of Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml 

• 0.5 mg         IV

DOSAGE

Adult Dose

Atrial Fibrillation

Loading Dose: Rapid Digitalization 

The total loading dose is 8 to12 mcg/kg (0.008-0.012 mg/kg) from which half of it is administered at the start and after carefully monitoring levels and response of the patient, after 6 to 8 hours intervals 1/4th of the dose can be given twice again very carefully

Maintenance Dose

A daily maintenance dose is given to avoid relapse of symptoms, usually, this is a long-term prescription. IV route is only utilized where oral intake is not possible

0.1 – 0.5 mg once every day

This dose can be altered every 2 weeks based on careful observation and tests to check the response to Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml

Heart Failure

A loading dose is generally not required for Heart Failure.

Start with  a suitable dose of 0.125 to 0.25 mg IV once every day

Digoxin in high dosage is very occasionally required, when a need arises 0.375 to 0.5 mg/day can be given

Child Dose

Children 10 years and below are prescribed liquid form or injection. Children aged 10 and above can take tablet form.

Neonates

• Premature 

Loading dose no.1:  7.5 -12.5 mcg/kg

Loading doses, no 2 and 3: 3.75 – 6.25 mcg/kg after 6-8 hours twice

Maintenance: 4 – 6 mcg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 

• Full-term

Loading dose no.1:  10-15 mcg/kg

Loading doses, no 2 and 3: 5 – 7.5 mcg/kg after 6-8 hours twice

Maintenance: 5 – 8 mcg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 

1mo – 2 years 

Loading dose no.1:  15 – 25  mcg/kg

Loading doses, no 2 and 3: 7.5 – 12.5  mcg/kg after an interval of 6-8 hours twice

Maintenance: 7.5-12 mcg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 

 2 – 5 years

Loading dose no.1:  12.5-17.5 mcg/kg

Loading doses, no 2 and 3: 6.25 – 8.75  mcg/kg after 6 – 8 hours twice

Maintenance: 6 – 9 mcg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 

5 – 10 years

Loading dose no.1:  7.5- 15 mcg/kg

Loading doses, no 2 and 3: 3.75 – 7.5  mcg/kg after 6 – 8 hours twice

Maintenance: 4 – 8 mcg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 

10 years and above

Loading dose no.1:  4 – 6  mcg/kg

Loading doses, no 2 and 3: 2 -3   mcg/kg after 6 – 8 hours twice

Maintenance: 2 – 3 mcg/kg/day divided every day

Elderly Dose

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml must be used with caution in patients aged 60 and above. Dose adjustment may be required in case of impaired renal or heart function. Your physician will set the dose most appropriate for your health status. 

*Special Dose 

Kidney impairment: Dose adjustment towards lower potency is required 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml falls under FDA pregnancy category C which means it should not be taken during pregnancy due to the possibility of harmful effects on unborn babies. Therefore, if you are pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please do discuss Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml with your doctor. 

If you are breastfeeding an infant, ask your doctor first for some amount of medicine that may be secreted into breast milk. With regards to safety please make sure to consult your doctor to avoid any possible side effects for the baby.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml:

• Allergic reaction to Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml or similar drugs
• Ventricular fibrillation 
• Intermittent complete heart block
• Second degree AV block 
• Ventricular tachycardia 
• Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy 
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• Myocarditis 

Precautions‌ ‌

Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ before starting or during the treatment with ‌Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml:‌ ‌

• Make sure to rule out any allergies to  ‌Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml or similar drugs
• Compromised kidney or liver function can negatively affect your body, discuss it with your doctor. 
• Elderly patients (65 years and above) should exercise caution, dose adjustment may be done by the doctor
• Hypokalemia among other reasons can cause “Digoxin toxicity”, more related to inappropriate doses. This is a fatal condition and due consideration must be given to all factors involved
•  ‌Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is known to cause dizziness which impairs the ability to drive or operate machinery or heavy/sharp items
• Alcohol consumption potentiates the side effects, it must be avoided with ‌Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml
• Serum levels of certain electrolytes are critical. Monitor the levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood
• Thyroid function must be adequate. Diagnose if you have hypo or hyperthyroidism
• ‌Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml can lead to termination of pregnancy, hence it is not advised. You will only be prescribed ‌Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml during pregnancy if there is an absolute necessity
• Always inform your attending doctor that you are taking Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml before a medical or dental surgical procedure 
• Know your heart condition and Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml and observe how your body functions with it. Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml can cause blurred vision, take precautions accordingly

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml and may increase or decrease its absorption, in which case, your doctor might alter your dosage. A few of these interacting drugs are given below:

• Antifungals “azoles”
• Alcohol 
• Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
• Calcium 
• Corticosteroids 
• Carbenoxolone 
• Diuretics 
• Lithium 
• Suxamethonium 
• Glycoprotein-P inhibitors like calcium channel blockers: diltiazem, verapamil,
• Macrolides like Clarithromycin, erythromycin
• Tetracycline 
• Quinidine 
• Cyclosporine amiodarone 
• Lapatinib
• Sennosides 
•  Prazosin 
• Alprazolam 
• Epinephrine 
• Cholestyramine 
• St John’s wort (Herb)

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea  
• Headache 
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Skin rash

Rare side effects

• Anaphylactic reaction 
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue 
• Asystole 
• Restlessness/ agitation 
• Heart block 
• Mental confusion/irritation 
• Arrhythmias 
• Thrombocytopenia 
• Palpitations 
• Tachycardia 
• Digoxin Toxicity 

LIST OF HOW TO DEAL WITH ADVERSE EFFECTS

• Soreness at the site of injection- a cold compress can be used for 5 minutes to ease out the soreness.
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea –Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.
• Feeling drowsy – If the medication makes you feel drowsy or sleepy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak – If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Muscular Aches and Pains – A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Skin Rash- can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Blurred vision- This side effect tends to go away on its own in a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime. If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.

FAQs

#1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml DO?

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is used to treat the irregular patterns of heartbeat and improves the contractility of the heart. This is useful in case of failing heart and arrhythmias.

#2. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml FOR?

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is prescribed for long-term treatment. The exact time you are required to take this medicine is decided by your doctor.

#3. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml TO START WORKING?

The onset of action normally starts working within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion

#4. CAN I STOP TAKING Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause serious side effects.

#5. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml you may experience symptoms of overdose, for example, fast pounding, irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, seizures, or life-threatening severe symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately and rush to a nearby hospital if you have any of these symptoms. toxicity can be fatal if left unattended.

#6. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml?

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml is generally taken once a day so you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it’s about time until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm, or use a pill organizer or a mobile application so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#7. CAN I TAKE Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml has a safety concern for the unborn baby, hence not advised. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml. 

#8. CAN THE USE OF Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml CAUSE DROWSINESS?

It causes drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery or sharp tools.

#9. HOW SHOULD Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml BE STORED?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine.

#10. WILL I HAVE TO UNDERGO ANY TESTS WHILE TAKING Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml?

The amount of Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml in blood and how it affects the body needs to be monitored. At the start, the doctor will do an ECG apart from BP monitoring and other screening tests. Some regular tests will be prescribed by a doctor to assess the levels of digoxin in blood, as well as kidney function, serum potassium, calcium, and sodium levels from time to time while using Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml.

#11. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml?

Usually  Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml  is known to cause dizziness so to make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again.

#12. CAN Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml AFFECT MY CONTRACEPTION?

Oral contraceptives have not shown any negative effects upon concomitant use with  Lanoxin 0.5mg Injection 2 ml.