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Overview

Digoxin (lanoxin) Test

Digoxin (lanoxin) Test

also known as: Lanoxin®

Digoxin Lanoxin is a blood test that doctor uses to determine the level of the medication digoxin in the patient's blood. Digoxin is a medicine which contains glycosides and is used for treating heart failure and irregular heartbeats. The medicine digoxin is available in the oral form. After taking it, the patient's body absorbs it and it then travels to body's tissue especially to heart, kidney, and liver. The test is used to determine whether you are taking the accurate amount of digoxin required. Digoxin medicine monitoring is necessary because it has a very narrow safe range of intake.

The digoxin lanoxin test is the common lgE blood test in which a small amount of blood sample is required for checking the measurement of digoxin drug in patient’s blood. It is advised that patient should wear half sleeve shirt or easily foldable sleeves shirt on the day of test as blood sample are usually taken from the veins of the elbow.

As mentioned above it is the common type of lgE blood test which requires no fasting and patient can carry on with their normal diet on the day of the test. Unless advised by the doctor, no fasting is required for the test.

Digoxin Lanoxin is used to determine the level of digoxin drug in your blood. The testing is done so that doctor makes sure that you are not taking too much or too little amount of the drug. The active ingredient in the digoxin contains cardiac glycoside which is potentially poisonous chemical. Digoxin is used to make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm. It is also used for the treatment of heart failure. A heart rhythm disorder of the atria namely atrial fibrillation is also treated with the help of the drug digoxin Lanoxin.

A small amount precisely few milliliters will be drawn out from the veins of the patient by the healthcare professional. For small children or infants blood can be drawn from puncturing the skin with the help of a needle. An antiseptic is used first to clean the skin surface.

For the veins to swell up an elastic band is placed around the upper arm. A needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood and is collected in a vial or syringe. The sample is carried in the vessel to the laboratory with your name placed over the vessel.

LimitationsDigoxin should not be confused with digitoxin. The elimination half-life in normal subjects is 37 hours. Patients with renal failure may have an endogenous digoxin-like material in their serum which makes digoxin measurements unreliable.
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Digoxin lanoxin
Unisex
All age groups
0.5 - 0.8ng/ml
Average price range of the test is between Rs.600 to Rs.1600 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Digoxin (lanoxin) Test?
Preparation for Digoxin (lanoxin) Test
Uses of Digoxin (lanoxin) Test
Procedure for Digoxin (lanoxin) Test
Limitations of Digoxin (lanoxin) Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Digoxin (lanoxin) Test
Price for Digoxin (lanoxin) Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

Some doctors are prescribing amiodarone and digoxin same time. Between these two drugs have a severe drug interactions. So is this rights choice?

MD, BHMS
Homeopath, Bhilai
Please consult your doctor for real knowledge regarding your treatment for related drugs. Thank you.

I am 51-year-old patient with a 10-year history of hiv. I am on lopinavir+ritonavir +lamivudine+zidovudine tablets along with ayurvedic medicine. I am also on cardiac medicine for enlargement of heart, which are lesilactone, digoxin and ecosprin. Presently my viral load is at undetected level and cd4 is 266 I am having chronic back pain in lumbar region and coccyx, which typically subsides with use elemental iron. I request you to kindly help me to diagnose this and suggest me treatment ?

B.Sc(hons), Physics, B.H.M.S., PGDIT (software Engg)
Homeopath, Delhi
I am suggesting some medicines. U can take along with your existing medicines. Do not stop right now. Go on taking. Take thuja 10 m 2 doses in differences of 15 mins. In a morning after 3 days start taking calcarea phos 6x / 6 tabs 3 times a day/ 3 weeks Buy german medicine. Drink fruit juice daily 2 times. Your pain will vanish in 2 weeks time slowly u will develop immunity power. Please continue the treatment for at least 6 months. Please come to my private question.
2 people found this helpful

I am a YOUNG MAN of 65 & have good sexual urge but unable to perform properly due to ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION. Although I get quite good Pre-Cum & Lubrication in the foreplay.I have this ED Problem since last about 8/10 years.Earlier I had been using Sildennafil 50 mg (on SOS basis only) and I could overcome the problem to a reasonable extent though it used to have some temporary side effects also.However since last about 2 years I am unable to get hardly any ERECTION with this tablet & even by watching porn etc.The quantity of EJACULATE has also reduced considerablly to about 4/5 drops only.Now coming to my MEDICAL CONDITION,I have ATRIAL FIBRILLATION & HYPERTENSION since last about 10 years but is under good control with medications like BETA BLOCKER (Presently using CARVISTAR 3.25 mg 1 BD & LANOXIN 0.25 mg half Tab OD 5 days a week) & BLOOD PRESSURE (TELMESARTAN 80 H) DRUGS.I had undergone TURP SURGERY in April, 2010 & the enlarged portion of PROSTATE was removed. Further I had also undergone CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY IN OCT,2012 for 1 blockage in 1 artery after which I am also on DUAL ANTI PLATLET THERAPY (ASPIRIN & CLOPIDUGERAL) and also STATIN for Cholestrol Control .Fortunately I am NOT DIABETIC so far and. I feel my ED problem though could partly be AGE RELATED but I think it is mainly due the above medications which I have been taking for so many years.Please let me know what is your DIAGNOSIS of my ED problem & can you prescribe any effective but safe medications in view of my CARDIAC CONDITION.My Cardiologist has advised NOT TO USE SILDENAFILL. Thanks & Regards.

MD-Dermatology, MBBS
Sexologist, Pune
Please contact and discuss in details regarding your related problem at private questions by request and payment of Rs.100 through Lybrate/ contact email drrameshm2@gmail.Com/on androide Lybrate app. Mob 09822006427. For your complete health solution.Dr.Ramesh Maheshwari Sexologist Pune.
2 people found this helpful

Popular Health Tips

How To Treat Pulmonary Hypertension?

DTCD (TDD), C-HIV
Pulmonologist, Pune
How To Treat Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension mainly occurs due to narrowing of the arteries of the lungs as a result of which the flow of blood is restricted. In this kind of condition, blood fails to carry oxygen to your heart and thus your heart gets adversely affected. The blood pressure of your body will get increased to a great extent if this situation remains untreated, thus leading to bdreadful consequenses, specifically situation like heart failure, serious pulmonary diseases, blood clots in lungs and congenial heart defects, etc.

There are certain forms of pulmonary hypertension, which are serious in nature and worsen with time, so much so that they are even fatal at times. It also includes forms which are non curable in nature, however, in order to improve the quality of life, symptoms can be reduced with proper treatment. The treatment for pulmonary hypertension is often complex and it takes some time to find the most appropriate treatment and requires extensive follow-up care. Your doctor might also need to change your treatment if it's no longer effective. However, when pulmonary hypertension is caused by another condition, your doctor will treat the underlying cause whenever possible.

Common Treatments for pulmonary hypertension:

Medications:

  1. Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators): Vasodilators open narrowed blood vessels. They are one of the most commonly prescribed vasodilators for pulmonary hypertension is epoprostenol (Flolan, Veletri). The drawback to epoprostenol is that the effect lasts only for few minutes. This drug is continuously injected through an intravenous (IV) catheter via a small pump that you wear in a pack on your belt or shoulder.
  2. Ventavis: Another form of the drug, iloprost (Ventavis), can be inhaled six to nine times a day through a nebulizer, a machine that vaporizes your medication. Because it's inhaled, it goes directly to the lungs.
  3. Treprostinil (Tyvaso, Remodulin, Orenitram): It is another form of the drug, which can be given four times a day and can be inhaled or can be taken as an oral medication and can also be administered through injection.
  4. Endothelin receptor antagonists: These medications reverse the effect of endothelin, a substance in the walls of blood vessels that causes them to narrow. These drugs may improve your energy level and symptoms. However, these drugs shouldn't be taken if you're pregnant. Also, these drugs can damage your liver and you may need monthly liver monitoring.
  5. Sildenafil and tadalafil: Sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) are sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension. These drugs work by opening the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow through more easily.
  6. High-dose calcium channel blockers: These drugs help relax the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels. They include medications, such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others) and nifedipine (Procardia, others). Although calcium channel blockers can be effective, only a small number of people with pulmonary hypertension respond to them.
  7. Soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) stimulator: Soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) stimulators (Adempas) interact with nitric oxide and help relax the pulmonary arteries and lower the pressure within the arteries. These medications should not be taken if you're pregnant. They can sometimes cause dizziness or nausea.
  8. Anticoagulants: Your doctor is likely to prescribe the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) to help prevent the formation of blood clots within the small pulmonary arteries. Because anticoagulants prevent normal blood coagulation, they increase your risk of bleeding complications. Take warfarin exactly as prescribed, because warfarin can cause severe side effects if taken incorrectly. If you're taking warfarin, your doctor will ask you to have periodic blood tests to check how well the drug is working. Many other drugs, herbal supplements and foods can interact with warfarin, so be sure your doctor knows all of the medications you're taking.
  9. Digoxin: Digoxin (Lanoxin) can help the heart beat stronger and pump more blood. It can help control the heart rate if you experience arrhythmias.
  10. Diuretics: Commonly known as water pills, these medications help eliminate excess fluid from your body. This reduces the amount of work your heart has to do. They may also be used to limit fluid buildup in your lungs.
  11. Oxygen: Your doctor might suggest that you sometimes breathe pure oxygen, a treatment known as oxygen therapy, to help treat pulmonary hypertension, especially if you live at a high altitude or have sleep apnea. Some people who have pulmonary hypertension eventually require continuous oxygen therapy.

Surgeries:

  1. Atrial Septostomy: If medications don't control your pulmonary hypertension, this open heart surgery might be an option. In an atrial septostomy, a surgeon will create an opening between the upper left and right chambers of your heart (atria) to relieve the pressure on the right side of your heart.
  2. Lung Transplantation: In some cases, a lung or heart lung transplant might be an option, especially for younger people who have idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Reducing Complications:

  1. The complications need to be reduced by taking proper health care. Healthy diet needs to be taken regularly along with proper medications. Smoking should be stopped and exercising sessions should be attended daily without any fail
  2. Overweight or obesity needs to be controlled properly for reducing the complications. Specialized caring strategies need to be maintained for avoiding severe kinds of health complications that are quite annoying. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Pulmonologist.
1872 people found this helpful

Taking Medicines during Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Medications

MBBS, DGO, MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG
Gynaecologist, Delhi
Taking Medicines during Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Medications

Normal pregnancy lasts for 38 to 42 weeks. However, there may be times during these weeks that you may have some physical issues such as vomiting, backache, and loose stools etc which require treatment with medicines.

Therefore, monitoring and managing these physical conditions becomes necessary to ensure a normal delivery. Management consists of both medicines and rehabilitation. Medicines are considered to be the first line of treatment; however, the health care provider needs to take care while prescribing medicines during pregnancy taking into consideration the harmful effects they can have on both – the mother and the foetus.  Medicines pass on via the placenta from the mother to the foetus. Hence, before prescribing any medicine the provider should check the possibilities of the medicine causing any congenital defect. You should avoid medicines from the time of conception till the first 10 weeks, as this is the time when the foetus is most prone to the get permanent congenital deformities. Medicines given in the later stages (after 10 weeks) may cause systemic damage. For example NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) may lead to problems during labour or organ defects in the foetus.

Therefore, medicines should always be avoided during pregnancy. Still there are certain medicines, which can be taken but after consulting your physician. Let’s discuss the medicines that are safe during pregnancy.

The following is a list of medicines and their effects during pregnancy:

1. Analgesic Medicines

Paracetamol Safe
NSAIDs, such as aspirin May cause heart abnormalities in the third trimester

2. Opiates 

Codeine Effective in low doses
Hydrocodone Effective in low doses
Hydromorphone Effective in low doses

3. Anaesthetics 

Etomidate Unknown always ask your provider
Ketamine Avoid during the last trimester
Lorazepam Avoid for severe conditions, safe for short periods

4. Thrombolytics - The possible advantages of this class may balance the risk during pregnancy. Common medicines used are: Alteplase, Reteplase, Streptokinase, Urokinase.

5. Antidotes

Hydroxycobalamin antidote: cyanide Safe
Methylene blue antidote: methemoglobinemia Has a potential risk to the mother and foetus

6. Penicillins

First generation: penicillin G, benzathine penicillin, Bicillin, penicillin VK Safe
Second generation: oxacillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin Safe

7. Cardiac agents

Adenosine Safe
Digoxin Not advised in third trimester
Lidocaine Safe

8. Diabetes: Insulin is safe to use during diabetes.

9. Antacids

Famotidine Low risk
Ranitidine Safe

10. Corticosteroids: Advised for short term use

Cetirizine Almost safe
Chlorpheniramine Safe

Always talk to your physician in case of any complication and before taking any medicine given above.

4 people found this helpful

Safe and Unsafe Medications to Take While Pregnant

MBBS, DGO, MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG
Gynaecologist, Delhi
Safe and Unsafe Medications to Take While Pregnant

Which medicines are safe to use during Pregnancy?

Normal pregnancy lasts for 38 to 42 weeks. However, there may be times during these weeks that you may have some physical issues such as vomiting, backache, and loose stools etc which require treatment with medicines.

Therefore, monitoring and managing these physical conditions becomes necessary to ensure a normal delivery.Management consists of both medicines and rehabilitation.Medicines are considered to be the first line of treatment; however, the health care provider needs to take care while prescribing medicines during pregnancy taking into consideration the harmful effects they can have on both – the mother and the foetus.  Medicines pass on via the placenta from the mother to the foetus. Hence, before prescribing any medicine the provider should check the possibilities of the medicine causing any congenital defect. You should avoid medicines from the time of conception till the first 10 weeks, as this is the time when the foetus is most prone to the get permanent congenital deformities. Medicines given in the later stages (after 10 weeks) may cause systemic damage. For example NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) may lead to problems during labour or organ defects in the foetus.

Therefore, medicines should always be avoided during pregnancy. Still there are certain medicines, which can be taken but after consulting your physician. Let’s discuss the medicines that are safe during pregnancy.

The following is a list of medicines and their effects during pregnancy:

1. Analgesic Medicines

Paracetamol Safe
NSAIDs, such as aspirin May cause heart abnormalities in the third trimester

2. Opiates

Codeine Effective in low doses
Hydrocodone Effective in low doses
Hydromorphone Effective in low doses

3. Anaesthetics

Etomidate Unknown always ask your provider
Ketamine Avoid during the last trimester
Lorazepam Avoid for severe conditions, safe for short periods

4. Thrombolytics - The possible advantages of this class may balance the risk during pregnancy. Common medicines used are: Alteplase, Reteplase, Streptokinase, Urokinase.

5. Antidotes

Hydroxycobalamin antidote: cyanide Safe
Methylene blue antidote: methemoglobinemia Has a potential risk to the mother and foetus

6. Penicillins

First generation: penicillin G, benzathine penicillin, Bicillin, penicillin VK Safe
Second generation: oxacillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin Safe

7. Cardiac agents

Adenosine Safe
Digoxin Not advised in third trimester
Lidocaine Safe

8. Diabetes: Insulin is safe to use during diabetes.

9. Antacids

Famotidine Low risk
Ranitidine Safe

10. Corticosteroids: Advised for short term use

Cetirizine Almost safe
Chlorpheniramine Safe

Always talk to your physician in case of any complication and before taking any medicine given above.

2 people found this helpful

Gynecomastia - Is Surgery The Best Option?

DNB, MCh - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MS - Plastic Surgery, MBBS
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon, Delhi
Gynecomastia - Is Surgery The Best Option?

Gynecomastia is a condition where the tissues of the breasts swell in a boy or men. This is caused by the imbalance of testosterone and oestrogen. It might affect one or both the breasts depending on the level of hormonal imbalances. Although not considered as a serious condition, Gynecomastia can be a difficult condition to cope up with. There are multiple treatment options and surgery is one of them. In many cases, this condition goes as abruptly as it appeared. For cases that are complicated and difficult to get rid of, doctors suggest a medical procedure get rid of the condition.

Symptoms of Gynecomastia:

Some common symptoms of Gynecomastia include tenderness of breasts, swollen breast gland, pain in the breasts, discharge from the nipple etc.

Causes of Gynecomastia:

  1. There could be many causes of this disease. If the condition is witnessed in babies, it could well come from the mother due to an overdose of oestrogen. Gynecomastia also appears during puberty resulting in the breast to swell up. The condition can again crop up after the age of 50 due to hormonal changes.

  2. Certain medications can be a reason of Gynecomastia. Some of the common medications include certain antibiotics, anti-anxiety related medications, chemotherapy shots, HIV patients receiving HAART, cardiovascular medications such as Lanoxin, anabolic steroids etc.

  3. Certain drugs such as heroin, alcohol, methadone, marijuana, Amphetamines etc.

  4. Certain health conditions such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, liver cirrhosis, ageing, certain tumours, failure of the kidney malnutrition etc.

Risk Factors Of Gynecomastia-

Certain risk factors of gynecomastia include older age, use of certain steroids, adolescence and other medical conditions such as Klinefelter's syndrome, tumour related to hormonal fluctuation and disease related to thyroid.

Diagnosis:

A doctor typically checks the history of drugs along with the health condition of the patient. He might also take a look at the health of the extended family. A careful tissue evaluation of the genitals, breast and abdomen are done. This is followed by a physical exam followed by prescribing certain tests such as mammograms, complete blood work, CT scan, biopsy of the tissue, MRI scan etc.

Treatment:

Most people suffering from Gynecomastia see a significant regression with periodic treatment. If however the condition arises from an underlying cause such as cirrhosis and malnutrition, a doctor suggests 2 option- medications and surgery:

  1. Medications: Certain medications that are known to be helpful for breast related cancers are known to be effective in this condition. Some common examples of these drugs include evista, arimidex and soltamox.

  2. Surgery: Only after exploring all medical options a doctor suggests surgery. There are 2 procedures namely mastectomy and liposuction. The latter removes the fat cells of the breast and the former removes the breast gland tissue. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a cosmetic surgeon.

3894 people found this helpful

Pulmonary Hypertension: How to Treat It?

MD - Pulmonary, DTCD
Pulmonologist, Faridabad
Pulmonary Hypertension: How to Treat It?

Pulmonary hypertension mainly occurs due to narrowing of the arteries of the lungs as a result of which the flow of blood is restricted. In this kind of condition, blood fails to carry oxygen to your heart and thus your heart gets adversely affected. The blood pressure of your body will get increased to a great extent if this situation remains untreated, thus leading to bdreadful consequenses, specifically situation like heart failure, serious pulmonary diseases, blood clots in lungs and congenial heart defects, etc.

There are certain forms of pulmonary hypertension, which are serious in nature and worsen with time, so much so that they are even fatal at times. It also includes forms which are non curable in nature, however, in order to improve the quality of life, symptoms can be reduced with proper treatment. The treatment for pulmonary hypertension is often complex and it takes some time to find the most appropriate treatment and requires extensive follow-up care. Your doctor might also need to change your treatment if it's no longer effective. However, when pulmonary hypertension is caused by another condition, your doctor will treat the underlying cause whenever possible.

Common Treatments for pulmonary hypertension:

Medications:

  1. Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators): Vasodilators open narrowed blood vessels. They are one of the most commonly prescribed vasodilators for pulmonary hypertension is epoprostenol (Flolan, Veletri). The drawback to epoprostenol is that the effect lasts only for few minutes. This drug is continuously injected through an intravenous (IV) catheter via a small pump that you wear in a pack on your belt or shoulder.
  2. Ventavis: Another form of the drug, iloprost (Ventavis), can be inhaled six to nine times a day through a nebulizer, a machine that vaporizes your medication. Because it's inhaled, it goes directly to the lungs.
  3. Treprostinil (Tyvaso, Remodulin, Orenitram): It is another form of the drug, which can be given four times a day and can be inhaled or can be taken as an oral medication and can also be administered through injection.
  4. Endothelin receptor antagonists: These medications reverse the effect of endothelin, a substance in the walls of blood vessels that causes them to narrow. These drugs may improve your energy level and symptoms. However, these drugs shouldn't be taken if you're pregnant. Also, these drugs can damage your liver and you may need monthly liver monitoring.
  5. Sildenafil and tadalafil: Sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) are sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension. These drugs work by opening the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow through more easily.
  6. High-dose calcium channel blockers: These drugs help relax the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels. They include medications, such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others) and nifedipine (Procardia, others). Although calcium channel blockers can be effective, only a small number of people with pulmonary hypertension respond to them.
  7. Soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) stimulator: Soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) stimulators (Adempas) interact with nitric oxide and help relax the pulmonary arteries and lower the pressure within the arteries. These medications should not be taken if you're pregnant. They can sometimes cause dizziness or nausea.
  8. Anticoagulants: Your doctor is likely to prescribe the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) to help prevent the formation of blood clots within the small pulmonary arteries. Because anticoagulants prevent normal blood coagulation, they increase your risk of bleeding complications. Take warfarin exactly as prescribed, because warfarin can cause severe side effects if taken incorrectly. If you're taking warfarin, your doctor will ask you to have periodic blood tests to check how well the drug is working. Many other drugs, herbal supplements and foods can interact with warfarin, so be sure your doctor knows all of the medications you're taking.
  9. Digoxin: Digoxin (Lanoxin) can help the heart beat stronger and pump more blood. It can help control the heart rate if you experience arrhythmias.
  10. Diuretics: Commonly known as water pills, these medications help eliminate excess fluid from your body. This reduces the amount of work your heart has to do. They may also be used to limit fluid buildup in your lungs.
  11. Oxygen: Your doctor might suggest that you sometimes breathe pure oxygen, a treatment known as oxygen therapy, to help treat pulmonary hypertension, especially if you live at a high altitude or have sleep apnea. Some people who have pulmonary hypertension eventually require continuous oxygen therapy.

Surgeries:

  1. Atrial Septostomy: If medications don't control your pulmonary hypertension, this open heart surgery might be an option. In an atrial septostomy, a surgeon will create an opening between the upper left and right chambers of your heart (atria) to relieve the pressure on the right side of your heart.
  2. Lung Transplantation: In some cases, a lung or heart lung transplant might be an option, especially for younger people who have idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Reducing Complications:

  1. The complications need to be reduced by taking proper health care. Healthy diet needs to be taken regularly along with proper medications. Smoking should be stopped and exercising sessions should be attended daily without any fail
  2. Overweight or obesity needs to be controlled properly for reducing the complications. Specialized caring strategies need to be maintained for avoiding severe kinds of health complications that are quite annoying.
8769 people found this helpful