What is the typical maintenance dose of digoxin?

The typical maintenance dose of digoxin for most adults is 0.125 mg/day. This dosing is established based on its pharmacokinetics and the need to achieve therapeutic levels while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Digoxin is often prescribed for heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias, and the goal is to maintain sufficient levels in the bloodstream to exert its positive inotropic effects without leading to adverse effects.

Dosing may vary based on individual patient factors, such as kidney function, age, body weight, and the presence of other medical conditions. The lower end of the maintenance dosing spectrum, like 0.125 mg, is often chosen to reduce the risk of accumulation and toxicity especially in populations that may be more sensitive to digoxin, such as the elderly or those with renal impairment.

Higher doses, such as 0.250 mg/day or 0.500 mg/day, might be considered more for specific cases or when a rapid effect is needed, but they increase the risk of toxicity and are typically not used as a routine maintenance strategy. The highest dose of 1.0 mg/day is far above the recommended maintenance dose and can lead to severe toxicity. Thus, 0.125 mg/day is considered the standard maintenance dose