Lanoxin (digoxin) is primarily used for the treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults and pediatric patients. In adults, it helps increase left ventricular ejection fraction and improves heart failure symptoms—such as exercise capacity—and decreases heart failure-related hospitalizations and emergency care, though it has no effect on mortality. When possible, it is recommended to use Lanoxin in combination with a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor[1].
Additionally, Lanoxin is indicated for the control of ventricular response rate in adult patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (a common type of irregular heart rhythm). In this case, it assists in controlling the heart rate[1].
The main uses of Lanoxin can be summarized as follows:
- Treatment of mild to moderate heart failure in adults.[1][2][3][4]
- Treatment of heart failure in pediatric patients, where it increases heart muscle contractility[1][4].
- Control of ventricular response rate in adults with chronic atrial fibrillation.[1][2][3][4][6]
Lanoxin works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase “sodium pump” in heart cells, thus strengthening the force of heart contractions and lowering heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood[2][6].
It is generally used when other medicines have not been sufficient to control heart failure symptoms or arrhythmias[6]. Lanoxin is available as oral tablets, oral solution, or as an injectable that is typically reserved for use in hospital settings[2][6].
References
- [1] LANOXIN (digoxin) tablets, for oral use – accessdata.fda.gov
- [2] Digoxin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD
- [3] Lanoxin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings – Drugs.com
- [4] Digoxin: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online
- [6] About digoxin – NHS
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