VetSheet

Digoxina

Digoxin

Glucósido cardíacoPOIVPerrosGatosPequeños mamíferosHuronesAvesCaballosGanado

También conocido como: Cardoxin · Lanoxin PG · digoxinum · digoxosidum · digitalis

Revisado por el equipo veterinario de VetSheetActualizado 5 abr 2026Referencia veterinaria basada en la evidencia

0.005-0.0075 mg/kg PO q12hPO· q12h
🐕

Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.

Dosis por especie

🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe

Perros

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
CHF with atrial fibrillation in dogs with normal renal function0.005-0.0075 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Initial dosing for dogs weighing less than 20 kg0.005-0.011 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Initial dosing for dogs weighing more than 20 kg0.22 mg/m2 (NOT mg/kg) PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Adjunctive treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy patients with atrial fibrillation0.0025 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Adjunctive treatment of atrial fibrillation0.003-0.005 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Refractory heart failure or atrial fibrillation (if pimobendan unavailable)0.005 mg/kg PO twice a dayPOq12h🌎 NA
Supraventricular arrhythmias0.22 mg/m2 (NOT mg/kg) PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA
Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias2.5-3.5 μg/kg (based on lean body weight; decrease dose by 10% for elixir). Maximum dose 0.25 mg/dog. Start at lower end of dose range and up-titrate carefully.POq12hLong-term🌍 EU
Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (Emergency/Rare)2.2-4.4 μg/kgIVq12hAs needed🌍 EU
  • CHF with atrial fibrillation in dogs with normal renal function: Trough level of 0.8-1.2 nanograms/mL is the recommended target.
  • Initial dosing for dogs weighing less than 20 kg: Results in therapeutic range by second day. Monitor levels 3-5 days later.
  • Initial dosing for dogs weighing more than 20 kg: Results in therapeutic range by second day. Monitor levels 3-5 days later.
  • Adjunctive treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy patients with atrial fibrillation: Loading dose usually not given. Trough therapeutic level is 0.8-1.2 ng/mL.
  • Refractory heart failure or atrial fibrillation (if pimobendan unavailable): Start with a low dose and round down if needed.
  • Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: Dose based on lean body weight. Decrease dose by 10% for elixir.
  • Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (Emergency/Rare): Only use IV if essentially indicated. Administer very slowly.

Gatos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Dilated cardiomyopathy or advanced atrioventricular valve insufficiency0.007 mg/kg PO every other dayPOq48h🌎 NA
Starting dose for normal cats weighing less than 3 kg1/4th of a 0.125 mg tablet administered every other dayPOq48h🌎 NA
Starting dose for normal cats weighing 3 to 6 kg1/4th of a tablet every dayPOq24h🌎 NA
Starting dose for normal cats weighing more than 6 kg1/4th of a tablet every day to q12hPOq12h-q24h🌎 NA
Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias10 μg/kg (equating to 1/4 of a 125 μg tablet). Start at lower dose range and titrate up.POq24-48hLong-term🌍 EU
Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (Emergency/Rare)1-1.6 μg/kgIVq12hAs needed🌍 EU
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy or advanced atrioventricular valve insufficiency: Use lean body weight. Measure serum level 10+ days later, 8-10 hours after dosing. Therapeutic level: 1-2 ng/mL.
  • Starting dose for normal cats weighing less than 3 kg: Tablets are better tolerated than the alcohol-based elixir.
  • Starting dose for normal cats weighing 3 to 6 kg: Using 0.125 mg tablet.
  • Starting dose for normal cats weighing more than 6 kg: Using 0.125 mg tablet.
  • Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias: Cats are highly sensitive to toxicity.
  • Management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (Emergency/Rare): Only use IV if essentially indicated. Administer very slowly.

Pequeños mamíferos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Dilated cardiomyopathy in Hamsters0.05-0.1 mg/kg PO q12hPOq12h🌎 NA

Hurones

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Dilated cardiomyopathy0.01 mg/kg PO once daily initiallyPOq24h🌎 NA
Maintenance0.005-0.01 mg/kg PO once to twice dailyPOq12h-q24h🌎 NA
Dilated cardiomyopathy long-term maintenance0.01 mg/kg q24hPOq24hLong-term🌎 NA
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy: Use oral liquid. May increase to twice daily if necessary.
  • Maintenance: Using the elixir; monitor blood levels if possible.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy long-term maintenance: Used with furosemide (2 mg/kg q12h) and enalapril (0.5 mg/kg q48h).

Aves

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Emergency stabilization0.02-0.5 mg/kg q12h for 2-3 days, then decreased to 0.01 mg/kg q12-24hPO/IM/IVq12h then q12-24h2-3 days initial, then maintenance🌎 NA
  • Emergency stabilization: Because of very small therapeutic margin, best used for emergency stabilization rather than long-term therapy. Consider switching to an ACE inhibitor.

Caballos

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Loading dose11 micrograms/kg IV given slowly or in divided doses, or 44 micrograms/kg POIV/POOnce🌎 NA
Maintenance Dose2.2 micrograms/kg IV every 12h or 11 micrograms/kg PO every 12 hoursIV/POq12h🌎 NA
  • Loading dose: ARCI UCGFS Class 4 Drug
  • Maintenance Dose: Maintain plasma concentrations between 0.5-2 ng/mL.

Ganado

IndicaciónDosisVíaFrecuenciaDuraciónRegión
Normalize atrial rate0.25 mg/100 lbs body weightPOTitrate to effect🌎 NA
  • Normalize atrial rate: Not destroyed in rumen; not excreted in milk.

Las dosis son una referencia clínica para profesionales veterinarios autorizados. Confirme siempre con el prospecto actual y cada paciente individual.

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Resumen

La digoxina es un glucósido cardíaco utilizado principalmente por sus efectos inotrópicos positivos (aumento de la contractilidad) y cronotrópicos negativos (disminución de la frecuencia cardíaca). Se utiliza en medicina veterinaria para tratar la insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva (ICC) y las taquiarritmias supraventriculares, como la fibrilación o el flúter auricular.

​Perlas clínicas:​

  • ​Índice terapéutico estrecho:​ El margen entre una dosis terapéutica y una dosis tóxica es extremadamente pequeño. La dosificación cuidadosa y el monitoreo terapéutico de fármacos (TDM) son esenciales.
  • ​Cambio de paradigma:​ Aunque históricamente fue un pilar en el manejo de la ICC, la digoxina ya no se considera un tratamiento de primera línea para la insuficiencia cardíaca en perros y gatos debido a la disponibilidad de inodilatadores más seguros y eficaces como el pimobendan. Actualmente se reserva principalmente para el control de la frecuencia en la fibrilación auricular, a menudo utilizada de forma complementaria con diltiazem.
  • ​Base de dosificación:​ Debido a que la digoxina no se distribuye bien en la grasa o en el líquido ascítico, la dosificación debe basarse en el peso corporal magro.
  • ​Sensibilidad de la especie:​ Los gatos son altamente sensibles a la toxicidad por digoxina en comparación con los perros.

Mecanismo de acción

Digoxin exerts its effects through the reversible inhibition of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump in the myocardial cell membrane.

  • ​Positive Inotropy (Contractility):​ Inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase → Increased intracellular Na⁺ → Decreased driving force for the ​Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX)​ → Decreased Ca²⁺ extrusion → Increased intracellular Ca²⁺ → Increased Ca²⁺ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Upon the next action potential, more Ca²⁺ is released, leading to increased myocardial contractility.
  • ​Negative Chronotropy/Dromotropy (Heart Rate/Conduction):​ Digoxin increases vagal (parasympathetic) tone → Decreased conduction velocity through the AV node and prolonged effective refractory period (ERP) → Slowed ventricular response rate in supraventricular arrhythmias.
  • ​Neurohormonal Effects:​ At low doses, digoxin restores baroreceptor sensitivity, which decreases sympathetic outflow and reduces the neurohormonal activation seen in heart failure.

Seguridad y advertencias

Contraindicaciones

  • Ventricular fibrillation
  • Digitalis intoxication
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats (relative contraindication, may increase myocardial oxygen demand and dynamic outflow obstruction)
  • Frequent ventricular arrhythmias
  • Atrioventricular (AV) block
  • Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Hypokalaemia

Efectos adversos

  • Cardiac arrhythmias (complete or incomplete heart block, bigeminy, ST segment changes, paroxysmal ventricular or atrial tachycardias, multifocal VPCs)
  • Mild GI upset
  • Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting (especially associated with IV injections)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Depression
  • Arrhythmias (AV block, bigeminy, paroxysmal ventricular or atrial tachycardias with block, multiform VPCs)
  • Vasoconstriction (with IV administration)

Precauciones

​Extreme Caution:​ Patients with glomerulonephritis and heart failure, or with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS).

  • ​Caution:​ Severe pulmonary disease, hypoxia, acute myocarditis, myxedema, acute myocardial infarction, frequent VPCs, V-tach, chronic constrictive pericarditis, or incomplete AV block.
  • ​Renal Disease:​ Principally eliminated by the kidneys; use with caution and monitor serum levels closely in patients with renal impairment.
  • ​Electrolyte/Endocrine Imbalances:​ Animals that are hypernatremic, hypokalemic, hypercalcemic, hyper- or hypothyroid may require smaller dosages; monitor carefully.
  • ​Cardioversion:​ Elective cardioversion of patients with atrial fibrillation should be postponed until digoxin has been withheld for 1-2 days.
  • ​Dosing Weight:​ Dosing is generally based upon lean body weight as digoxin does not distribute well into ascitic fluid or fat.

Interacciones farmacológicas

Aminosalicylic Acid

May reduce digoxin serum levels

AntacidsModerate

May reduce digoxin serum levels

Chloramphenicol

May reduce digoxin serum levels in dogs

Cholestyramine

May reduce digoxin serum levels

CimetidineModerate

May reduce digoxin serum levels

MetoclopramideModerate

May reduce digoxin serum levels

Neomycin (Oral)

May reduce digoxin serum levels

Phenobarbital

May reduce digoxin serum levels

St John's Wort

May reduce digoxin serum levels

Sucralfate

May reduce digoxin serum levels

Sulfasalazine

May reduce digoxin serum levels

AmiodaroneMajor

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Anticholinergics

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Captopril (or other ACEIs)

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Coleus

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Cyclosporine

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

DiazepamModerate

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Diltiazem

May increase serum levels (data conflicts); additive negative effects on AV conduction

ErythromycinMajor

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Furosemide

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects; hypokalemia predisposes to digitalis toxicity

Hawthorn

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Ketoconazole/Itraconazole

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Omeprazole (or other PPIs)

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Quinidine

May increase serum levels; rule of thumb is to decrease digoxin dose by 50% if used together

Reserpine

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Succinylcholine

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Tetracycline

May increase serum levels, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

VerapamilMajor

May increase serum levels; additive negative effects on AV conduction

Beta-Blockers

Additive negative effects on AV conduction, complete heart block possible

Penicillamine

May decrease serum levels of digoxin independent of route of digoxin dosing

Potassium/Electrolyte altering drugs (e.g., amphotericin B, glucocorticoids, laxatives, insulin)

May predispose the patient to digitalis toxicity via electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia)

SpironolactoneModerate

May enhance or decrease the toxic effects of digoxin

Thyroid Supplements

Patients on digoxin that receive thyroid replacement therapy may need their digoxin dosage adjusted

Chemotherapy agents (cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, doxorubicin, vincristine)Moderate

May decrease digoxin absorption from the GI tract

AntimuscarinicsModerate

May increase serum level, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

Loop and thiazide diureticsMajor

Can cause hypokalaemia, which strongly predisposes to digoxin toxicity

OxytetracyclineModerate

May increase serum level, decrease elimination rate, or enhance toxic effects

CyclophosphamideModerate

May decrease digoxin absorption from the GI tract

CytarabineModerate

May decrease digoxin absorption from the GI tract

DoxorubicinModerate

May decrease digoxin absorption from the GI tract

VincristineModerate

May decrease digoxin absorption from the GI tract

Loop diureticsMajor

May cause hypokalaemia, which enhances the toxic effects of digoxin

Thiazide diureticsMajor

May cause hypokalaemia, which enhances the toxic effects of digoxin

Monitorización

  • Serum digoxin levels (Trough levels recommended: Dogs 0.8-1.2 ng/mL; Cats 0.9-2 ng/mL; Other species 0.5-2 ng/mL. Wait at least 6 days after starting therapy to reach steady-state)
  • Appetite and body weight
  • Cardiac rate and ECG changes
  • Serum electrolytes (especially potassium)
  • Renal function tests
  • Clinical efficacy for CHF (improved perfusion, decreased edema)
  • Serum digoxin levels (check after 7-10 days, sample taken 6-8 hours post-pill. Ideal trough therapeutic level: 0.6-1.2 ng/ml)
  • ECG (monitor for AV block and ventricular arrhythmias)
  • Serum potassium levels (hypokalaemia increases toxicity risk)
  • Renal function (BUN, Creatinine)

Farmacocinética

Vida media

Gatos30-173 hoursCaballos16.9-28.8 hoursPerros14.4-56 hours

Absorción

Variable depending on the oral dosage form. Food may delay, but not alter, the extent of absorption in most species. In cats, food reportedly decreases the amount absorbed by 50% after tablet administration. Peak serum levels occur within 45-60 minutes (elixir) and 90 minutes (tablet).

Distribución

Widely distributed with highest levels in kidneys, heart, intestine, stomach, liver, and skeletal muscle. Lowest concentrations in brain and plasma. Does not significantly enter ascitic fluid. Approximately 20-30% bound to plasma proteins.

Metabolismo

Metabolized slightly.

Eliminación

Primary method of elimination is renal excretion (both glomerular filtration and tubular secretion). Dosage adjustments are required in significant renal disease.

Sobredosis

​Acute Toxicity:​ In dogs, the acute toxic dose after IV administration is reported to be 0.177 mg/kg.

​Treatment of Toxicity:​

  • ​Chronic Toxicity:​ Often resolves by temporarily stopping the drug and reevaluating the dosage regimen.
  • ​Acute Ingestion:​ If recent and no cardiotoxic/neurologic signs are present, empty the stomach followed by activated charcoal. Repeated charcoal administration may be beneficial due to enterohepatic recirculation. Anion-exchange resins (colestipol, cholestyramine) can reduce absorption but are rarely available.
  • ​Supportive Care:​ Continuous ECG monitoring, correct acid-base/hypoxia/fluid/electrolyte imbalances. ​Note: Potassium use in normokalemic patients is controversial and requires expertise.​
  • ​Antiarrhythmics:​ Lidocaine and phenytoin are commonly used for life-threatening digitalis-induced arrhythmias. Atropine may treat sinus bradycardia, SA arrest, or AV block.
  • ​Antidote:​ Digoxin immune Fab (ovine antibodies) binds directly to the drug, inactivating it. It is highly effective but very expensive, and veterinary experience is limited.

Productos disponibles

Formulaciones

  • Injection
  • Tablets
  • Oral Solution
  • 62.5 μg oral tablet
  • 125 μg oral tablet
  • 250 μg oral tablet
  • 50 μg/ml oral elixir
  • 250 μg/ml injectable

Veterinario

  • Veterinary-labeled products are no longer available commercially in the USA.

Etiquetado para humanos

  • Digoxin Solution for Injection: 250 micrograms/mL (0.25 mg/mL) and 100 micrograms/mL (0.1 mg/mL) (Lanoxin, generic)
  • Digoxin Oral Tablets: 125 micrograms (0.125 mg) and 250 micrograms (0.25 mg) (Lanoxin, generic)
  • Digoxin Oral Solution: 50 micrograms/mL (0.05 mg/mL) (generic)
  • Lanoxin 62.5 μg, 125 μg, 250 μg tablets
  • Lanoxin PG 50 μg/ml elixir
  • Lanoxin 250 μg/ml injectable

Estado regulador

European Union✓ AprobadoMedicamento de prescripciónEMA
🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

POM

United Kingdom✓ AprobadoMedicamento de prescripciónVMD
🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

POM-V / POM

Sin datos reguladores para: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU

Almacenamiento y estabilidad

Store tablets, capsules, elixir, and injection at room temperature (15-30°C) and protect from light. Stable at pH 5-8; hydrolyzed in solutions with a pH of less than 3.

Información para el cliente

La digoxina es un medicamento cardíaco potente utilizado para ayudar a que el corazón bombee con mayor eficacia y para controlar los latidos irregulares.

  • ​Dosificación estricta:​ Administre este medicamento exactamente como se le ha recetado. No cambie la dosis ni suspenda el medicamento sin consultar a su veterinario, ya que la diferencia entre una dosis útil y una dosis tóxica es muy pequeña.
  • ​Vigile la toxicidad:​ Contacte a su veterinario inmediatamente si su mascota muestra signos de toxicidad, que a menudo comienzan con malestar gastrointestinal. Esté atento a la pérdida de apetito, vómitos, diarrea, letargo, depresión o cambios en el comportamiento.
  • ​Dosis omitidas:​ Si olvida una dosis, no duplique la siguiente. Administre la siguiente dosis en el horario programado regularmente.
  • ​Monitoreo:​ Su mascota necesitará análisis de sangre regulares para verificar el nivel de digoxina en sangre, así como la función renal y los niveles de electrolitos, para asegurar que la dosis siga siendo segura y eficaz.

La referencia de medicamentos de VetSheet está destinada a profesionales veterinarios autorizados como ayuda para la toma de decisiones clínicas, no como sustituto del criterio profesional ni del prospecto actual del fabricante.