DIGOXIN DRUG STUDY

Generic Name: Digoxin

Brand Name: Digitek

Drug Classification: PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC: Cardiac glycoside CLINICAL: Antiarrhythmic

Mode of Action: Acts by making the myocardial systolic contraction stronger and faster. It also slows
down the speed of electrical signals going through the atrioventricular node. It works faster and doesn't
last as long as digitalis and digitoxin.

Suggested Dose: Digitalizing Dose:

PO: 10-15 mcg/kg (1 mg) individed doses over 24-48h
IV : 10-15 mcg/kg (1mg) individed dose over 24h

Child: PO/IV
< 2y/o, 40-60 mcg/kg;
2-10 y/o 20-40 mcg/kg;
>10 y/0 10-15 mcg/kg(1.5-2 mcg)

Neonate:30-50 mcg/kg
Premature Neonate:20 mcg/kg

Indications: Treatment of systolic heart failure and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

Contraindications: Ventricular fibrillation, Ventricular tachycardia, Arrhythmia

Side & Adverse Effects: Tachycardia, Headache, Dizziness, Mental disturbances, Nausea and Vomiting,
Diarrhea, Anorexia, Blurred or yellow vision, Depression, Vertigo

Drug Interactions: Amiodarone, Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, Potassium-depleting diuretics,
Ketoconazole, vemurafenib, Sucralfate

Nursing Responsibilities (10):

1. Check doctor’s order before administration

To make sure that it is the correct medication to be administered.

2. Double check dosage and preparation carefully

To avoid overdosing or drug toxicity

3. Make sure to tell the difference between Lanoxicaps and Lanoxin because the doses are very
different.

To avoid medication error and any adverse effects.

 4. Assess the patient’s baseline data

To help us explain or identify as to why this medication is prescribed to the patient

5. Monitor apical pulse for 1 min before administering

Hold dose if patients have pulse rate of <60 bpm in an adult, <70 bpm in a child, or <90 bpm in an infant,
notify physician immediately.

6. Avoid IM injections

Because it will be very painful during administration

7. Avoid giving with meals

Because it will delay absorption

8. Inform patient about the indication and side effects of the medication

Patient will be aware what to expect when given the medication.

9. Have emergency equipment ready; have K+ salts, lidocaine, phenytoin, atropine, and cardiac
monitor readily available

in case toxicity develops

10. Report for any unusuality

so that the doctor can check up on the pt.

Health Teachings: Follow-up visits, blood tests are an important part of therapy, do not increase or skip
doses, do not take over-the-counter medication without consulting physician, take pulse at the same
time each day, and record it on a calendar, report decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, visual
changes.

Reference:

Kizior, R. J., & Hodgson, K. (2020, May 18). Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2021. Saunders.

R. (2015, January 9). digoxin Nursing Considerations & Management - RNpedia. RNpedia.
https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/pharmacology-drug-study-notes/digoxin/