14045990
| 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 |
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