Digoxin
  • Description – (cardiac glycosides)
  • Mode of action – inhibits enzyme sodium-potassium ATPase -» promotes ca accumulation -» causes the heart muscle fibers to contract efficiently.
  • Therapeutic effects – increases force of contractions, slows the HR, slows conduction -» increases CO, decreases edema, and increases fluid excretion.
  • Therapeutic range – 0.5 to 2ng/mL ( > 2ng/mL is toxic) 
  • Antidote – Digoxin immune Fab (Digibind) -» used in extreme toxicity
  • Indications – CHF, cardiogenic shock, atrial dysrhythmias
  • Contraindications – ventricular dysrhythmias and 2nd/3rdº heart block
  • Side effects/toxicity – anorexia, n/v, diarrhea, HA, visual disturbances (yellow-green halos), bradycardia
    • Early s/s present as GI manifestations (anorexia, n/v, diarrhea); then HR abnormalities, and visual disturbances.
  • Interventions
    • Monitor for toxicity
    • Monitor serum digoxin levels
    • Potassium levels
    • Monitor the client taking a potassium-losing diuretic or corticosteroid closely for hypokalemia -» hypokalemia can cause digoxin toxicity
    • Note that older clients are more sensitive to digoxin toxicity
    • Monitor apical pulse for 1 full minute -» hold med and notify MD if HR < 60 bpm
    • Teach pt. s/s of toxicity, to avoid OTC meds
    • Advise pt. to eat foods high in potassium (dried/fresh fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, and potatoes)
5 years ago | 04:30pm
32 notes · #pharmacology #meds #Digoxin
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