Lanoxin or digoxin is a medication used for patients who have heart problems such as congestive heart failure. Lanoxin is the brand name of the drug. Digitalis, the original form of the drug, was discovered by an English physician and botanist named William Withering. Lanoxin is not considered an acceptable medication for weight loss.
Lanoxin
Derived from the dried leaves of the Digitalis purpurea plant, commonly called foxglove, Lanoxin slows the heart rate, increases the strength of the heart's contractions and decreases the size of the heart. Lanoxin is strongly indicated when patients have atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat in a rapid, shallow and irregular fashion. Lanoxin is generally taken by mouth, although it is also available in injectable form.
Side Effects
Most side effects of Lanoxin are cardiac in nature. Side effects include dizziness, visual disturbances, changes in the heart rate or rhythm and skin rashes. Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also common, especially when concentrations of the drug are approaching toxic levels in the body. Side effects tend to be dose-dependent, with higher doses of Lanoxin resulting in more symptoms. Lanoxin can also interact with other medications such as calcium channel blockers, antacids, some antibiotics, and herbal preparations such as St. John's wort.
Research
One study in the April 2001 "Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" did report weight loss in patients on digoxin. The study was small---only 14 patients. All of the patients were obese, and all had an increase of pressure in the spinal fluid; digoxin was being used to decrease the spinal fluid pressure. Despite an unrestricted diet, all of the patients lost an average of 22 pounds each during the six-month study. However, 5 of 13 patients also developed diabetes. The researchers reported the weight loss as an incidental finding and did not speculate on the connection between weight loss and digoxin.
Considerations and Warnings
Lanoxin is a medication that is only available through prescription. The side effects have the potential to be dangerous, especially the cardiac side effects. A single small study is not sufficient evidence to use a medication for weight loss. Lanoxin should never be used to self-medicate for weight loss. If you have questions or concerns about body weight or Lanoxin, consult a health care professional.
References
- "Encyclopedia Brittanica"; Atrial Fibrillation; Mark L. Entman, M.D.
- "Encyclopedia Brittanica": Digitalis
- Medicines.ie; Lanoxin 250 Microgram Tablets; June 2011
- Gold Standard: Digoxin Oral Tablet; 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Decrease Of Intracranial Pressure And Weight With Digoxin In Obesity; J. Hannerz; April 2001
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