Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S

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 rhythmic 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called Antiarrhythmics/ cardiac glycosides, used to treat disturbance in heart rhythm (fibrillation), heart failure, etc. Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S is usually taken for long periods, strictly follow your doctor’s advice. 

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S  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 30 minutes to 2 hours to show its effects after oral intake. 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S are nausea, diarrhea, weakness, fatigue, palpitations, etc.

Indications

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S is prescribed to adults and children alike and it is used in the treatment of:

• Heart failure 
• Atrial Fibrillation 
• Arrhythmia

How does Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S work?

Digoxin contained in Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S?

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S is available in the form of oral tablets to be taken once a day or as advised by the doctor. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water without chewing or crushing the tablets. In general, the treatment with Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S must not be stopped suddenly without asking your physician for it can create arrhythmias and heart problems. 

Available Potency of Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 

• 0.25 mg (or 250 mcg) –   Tablet

DOSAGE

Adult Dose

Loading Dose

Rapid Digitalization – 750 to 1500 mcg (0.75 to 1.5 mg) as a single dose

The first dose is given as 50%, afterward at an interval of 6 to 8 hours twice or as suggested by the doctor

Slow Digitalization – This is done over 1 week with a daily dose of 250 to 750 mcg

Maintenance Dose

The daily maintenance dose is given to avoid relapse of symptoms, usually, this is a long-term prescription

125 (0.125 mg) mcg to 750 mcg (0.75 mg) once a day

This dose can be altered every 2 weeks based on careful observation and tests to check the response to Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S

Child Dose

Children 10 years and below are prescribed liquid form of Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S. Children aged 10 and above can take tablet form

Loading (starting) Dose:

First :  5  –  7.5 mcg/kg

second/third: 2.5 – 3.75 mcg/kg (0.0025 – 0.00375 mg) at 6  –  8 hourly interval for 2 doses

Daily Maintenance Dose – 2.5 – 5 mcg/kg/day once a day

Elderly Dose

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S or similar drugs
• Ventricular fibrillation 
• Intermittent complete heart block
• Second degree AV block 
• Ventricular tachycardia 
• Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy 
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• Myocarditis 
• Electric cardioversion 

Precautions‌

‌Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ before starting or during the treatment with ‌Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S:‌ ‌

• Make sure to rule out any allergies to  ‌Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S
• 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S can lead to termination of pregnancy, hence it is not advised. You will only be prescribed ‌Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S during pregnancy if there is an absolute necessity
• Always inform your attending doctor that you are taking Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S before a medical or dental surgical procedure 
• Know your heart condition and Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S and observe how your body functions with it. Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S can cause blurred vision, take precautions accordingly
• If are going to receive electric therapy (cardioversion) for your abnormal heart rhythm, tell your doctor

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 
• Ticagrelor 
•  Prazosin 
• Alprazolam 
• Epinephrine 
• Cholestyramine 
• St John’s wort (Herb)

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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

• 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 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.
• 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S DO?

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S FOR?

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S TO START WORKING?

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

#4. CAN I STOP TAKING Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S?

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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S?

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S. 

#8. CAN THE USE OF Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S?

The amount of Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S.

#11. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S?

Usually  Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S  is known to cause dizziness so 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 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S AFFECT MY CONTRACEPTION?

Oral contraceptives have not shown any negative effects upon concomitant use with  Lanoxin 250mcg Tablet 25 ‘S.