Digoxin

Question	Answer
Trade names	Lanoxin - Sigmaxin
Therapeutic class	Antiarrythmic
Pharmaceutical class	glycoside
Indications	treatment and management of: - congestive cardiac insufficiency - Arrhythmias - heart failure.
Action	Inhibits sodium/potassium transporting pump leading to an increase in intracellular sodium -> this increases the amount of calcium pumped into the cardiac muscle, increasing contractility of the heart.
Therapeutic effect	Pumping action of the heart is improved - by increasing diastolic fill time.
Absorption	70 - 80 % absorbed in small intestine
Distribution	extensively distributed across tissues -> rapidly crosses placenta and enters breastmilk
Metabolism & excretion	Majority is excreted unchanged in urine
half-life	36 hours
Contraindicators/precautions	Caution use in the elderly Hyperthyroidism - may decrease concentration Hypothyroidism - may increase concentration Acute MI Heart blocks Renal impairment
Adverse reactions	CVS: May worsen arrhythmias, bradycardia CNS: headache, drowsiness GIT: N + V OPTHAL: may cause blurred yellow/green vision
Interactions	May increase the effect of other drugs that slow cardiac conduction
nursing assessment impications	Monitor HR (< 60 withold) Check renal functioning and electrolytes before admin Cardiovascular assess
Education points	Teach patient how to monitor pulse Ask them to stick to 1 brand

Resource summary

	Created by Em J about 7 years ago