About Digoxin: A Cardiac Glycoside for Pets

Digoxin (Generic Alternative to Lanoxin) Treats Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

By Team PetCareRx.

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  • Heart Failure
  • Heart Disease

Digoxin

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indications for Digoxin

Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, is indicated for the treatment of various heart diseases including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and congestive heart failure. The medication is also used for certain conditions creating rapid/irregular heart beat and sometimes dilated cardiomyopathy. Digoxin, the active ingredient, slows down heart rate and increases heart muscle contraction. The ability of the medication to increase the contraction strength of the heart results in an increase in the amount of blood pumped out of the heart and reduces fluid buildup in the lungs.

Precautions

Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, is indicated for the treatment of various heart diseases including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and congestive heart failure. The medication is also used for certain conditions creating rapid/irregular heart beat and sometimes dilated cardiomyopathy. Digoxin, the active ingredient, slows down heart rate and increases heart muscle contraction. The ability of the medication to increase the contraction strength of the heart results in an increase in the amount of blood pumped out of the heart and reduces fluid buildup in the lungs.

Dosage

Digoxin is a prescription medicine and is available as tablets, capsules, injection and elixir. The elixir is available in two strengths - 0.05mg/ml and 0.15mg/ml. The standard dosage of digoxin in dogs is 0.0025 to 0.005 mg/lbs every 12 hours, and 0.0015 to 0.002 mg/lbs every 12 hours in cats. The medicine should be given on an empty stomach. The treatment plant should be completed, even if the pet shows signs of improvement.

Brand/Generic equivalents

Cardoxin (Evsco), Lanoxin (GlaxoSmithKline)

Side Effects

The commonly observed side effects in cats and dogs include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and irregular heart rhythms. High dosage could result in side effects including cardiac arrhythmias, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

Digoxin

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Digoxin at a glance

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  • 1For dogs and cats
  • 2A cardiac glycoside (heart) medication
  • 3An oral medication
  • 4Treats heart disease

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