STUDENT NAME
MEDICATION
CATEGORY CLASS
Joe Hartley
Digoxin
Cardiac Glycoside
REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER
PURPOSE OF MEDICATION
Expected Pharmacological Action
Increases force and velocity of myocardial contraction,
resulting in positive inotropic effects. Decreases
conduction rate and increases effective refractory
period of AV node.
Therapeutic Use
For mild to moderate heart failure with rapid digitization.
Complications
-Arrhythmias
-Heart block
-Electrolyte imbalances
Medication Administration
May be given PO or IV. Most commonly given
via IV push and administered slowly over 5
minutes. A loading dose is given first followed
by subsequent doses every 6-8hrs and a qd
maintenance dose.
Dosage adjustments may be required for pts
who are debilitated, elderly, or have
implanted pacemakers due to toxicity
risk.
Contraindications/Precautions
Hx/presence of digitalis toxicity/idiosyncratic reaction to digoxin, v-fib,
v-tach (unless HF occurs unrelated to digoxin therapy).
Interactions
Nursing Interventions
Expect to treat underlying thiamine deficiency
Parenteral doses may be given diluted or
undiluted
Take apical pulse before each dose
and notify provider if below 60bpm
Obtain frequent ECG for elderly patients
Monitor serum potassium level
Arbutimine, quinidine, amphotericin B, macrolide antibiotics,
propafenone, cyclosporine, verapamil, hydroxychloroquine,
trimethoprim, ketoconazole, amiodarone.
Client Education
Take only as prescribed.
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
Normal cardiac rhythm, proper functioning of the heart muscles,
adequate tissue perfusion/oxygenation.
Take pulse before taking med - notify HCP if
pulse is below 60.
Take missed doses within 12 hours of
scheduled dose - do not double up.
Notify HCP if experiencing pulse changes.
Talk to HCP before taking anything OTC.
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE A7